Applications are now open for the 2026 SouthEast Business Growth Fund organised by the Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation. The programme is designed to support young entrepreneurs across Southeast Nigeria with funding, business visibility, training, and networking opportunities.
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Selected entrepreneurs will receive financial support and participate in a fully-funded business growth training programme aimed at helping small businesses scale sustainably.
The SouthEast Business Growth Fund is one of the Foundation’s flagship entrepreneurship initiatives focused on empowering business owners who are contributing to economic development in the Southeast region.
Benefits of the SouthEast Business Growth Fund 2026
Successful applicants will receive several business support opportunities, including:
- ₦500,000 business grant for each selected entrepreneur
- ₦1,000,000 AfiaTV advertising credit valid for one year
- Fully-funded two-week business growth training in Enugu
- Free accommodation and feeding during the training programme
- Opportunity to pitch live at the SouthEast Business Growth Conference in July 2026
- Access to business leaders, stakeholders, and decision-makers
- Increased business visibility and recognition
- Mentorship and partnership opportunities
According to the organisers, five entrepreneurs will be selected for the 2026 edition of the programme.
Why the Fund Was Created
The Foundation explained that many entrepreneurs across Southeast Nigeria are building innovative businesses but still struggle with limited access to funding, exposure, and growth opportunities.
The SouthEast Business Growth Fund was created to bridge this gap by combining grant support with training, mentorship, and business exposure.
The initiative is targeted at entrepreneurs who are already operating active businesses and are looking for opportunities to expand and grow.
2025 Programme Impact
The organisers highlighted several achievements from the previous edition of the programme.
Some of the outcomes include:
- Over ₦3.15 million disbursed in funding
- 10 finalists selected from across Southeast Nigeria
- Five entrepreneurs awarded ₦500,000 grants each
- Additional support secured through sponsors and partners
- Increased visibility and business connections for participants
The Foundation noted that participants also gained confidence, mentorship opportunities, and stronger business networks beyond the financial support provided.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the SouthEast Business Growth Fund 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Business must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
- Business should have been actively operating for at least 1–2 years
- Applicants must show evidence of revenue generation
- Business must be located in Southeast Nigeria
- Eligible states include Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo
- Applicants must demonstrate business traction such as customers, sales, or partnerships
- A 2-minute video explaining how the ₦500,000 grant will help grow the business must be submitted
- Applicants must provide proof of business location such as a utility bill or lease agreement
Only applicants who meet all the requirements will be considered for the programme.
Applicants are advised to prepare all required documents and their 2-minute business growth video before starting the application process.
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs can submit their applications online before the deadline June 7, 2026.
Application Portal: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJ4wjcHoEstz6lDKFhYENzsWGHc-xx5vYbMsLqVP0vmN3MWQ/viewform
