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Today, we had an amazing STEP Cohort 1 end-of-program event and it was my pleasure connecting with other great Founders who have (rather than complain), chosen to build solutions to life's many challenges. The after-event hangout with Mr. Ifedy and Mr. Austin was the icing on the cake; where we shared our blunt feedback on our experiences about the program and they shared more insights on how we can form the right network to grow our Startups. This is one priceless experience. My gratitude goes to the STEP team, Idea Africa and the UK Nigeria Tech Hub who have made this journey worthwhile. Thank you all plentifully! #STEP #UKNigeriaTechHub

Paid a visit to Cafe One with [CoachAdaeze] while scouting for venue partnerships for the Digital Transformation Summit coming up in July. #DTS #StartupSouth

Listen, building a business is no small feat; and building a business in Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted. So it gives me so much joy when I see initiatives that support other businesses to grow and achieve their goals. My startup (YuSocial) was accepted into the STEP NG program and I am quite grateful for this. The STEP program empowers startups with essential talent support for sustainable growth, while providing tech professionals with opportunities to enhance their skills through impactful work on cutting-edge startup projects. Thank you STEP NG for believing in our project and accepting us into your program. I look forward to making more impact with my startup from the assistance you will provide us. #yusocial #Steptech #startup

Active Non-Dilutive (Grant) Funding Opportunities for African Founders Securing funding is a major challenge for startups—especially in the early days when traction is still building. While VCs and angel investors look for proof of growth, non-dilutive (grant) funding can be a game-changer, helping founders bridge financing gaps and kickstart their ventures without giving up equity. If you're an African founder, here are some top active grant opportunities you should check out: Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (12th Edition) – Up to $1M in Prizes + All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Singapore This is one of the world’s largest university startup challenges, bringing together young innovators leveraging deep tech to solve global challenges. The top 50 teams get sponsored airfare and accommodation to Singapore, mentorship, networking with global business leaders, and a chance to win cash prizes! ✅ Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dF4JcyYR Layal Jade Tinubu Unoella Foundation “Be Empowered!” 2025 – Up to N60M for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria A funding program designed to support women-led businesses in Nigeria. If you're a female entrepreneur looking to scale, this could be your chance! 📅 Deadline: April 10, 2025 ✅ Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dd5d3CYE EU-Global Youth Mobilization Youth Empowerment Fund 2025 – Up to €5,000 for Youth-Led Initiatives Funding for innovative, youth-led solutions tackling social challenges. If you're working on a community-focused project, this could be a great opportunity! 📅 Deadline: March 24, 2025 ✅ Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dKvsZAH6 Global Peace Development (GPD) Carol Bellamy Leadership Award 2025 – Up to $2,000 A grant recognizing young leaders driving impactful change in their communities. 📅 Deadline: March 13, 2025 Onitsha Innovation TechQuest – NGN4M+ in Total Prize Money A startup competition by Onitsha Business Hangout & implemented by #StartupSouth, supporting tech-driven businesses with funding and mentorship. 📅 Deadline: March 20, 2025 ✅ Apply here: bit.ly/OnitshaInnovation 💡 Founders, don’t sleep on these opportunities! Apply, share with your network, and let’s get more African startups funded. 🚀 Know any other grant opportunities? Drop them in the comments! ⬇️ #grants #founders

Call For Applications: Innovate for Impact Challenge - Empowering AgTech Startups (up to $50,000 prize) The World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America’s Cultivation Corridor, has launched the Innovate for Impact Challenge to accelerate agricultural technology (AgTech) innovation. This initiative aims to support early-stage, tech-driven startups addressing global food security and sustainability challenges. Key Details: Global Call for Startups: The challenge invites startups worldwide, emphasizing innovation and sustainability. Live Pitch Event: Finalists will present their AgTech solutions during the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue. Top Prize: The winning startup will receive $50,000 to advance their impact on global food security. Eligibility Criteria: Company Stage: Open to early-stage, for-profit startups, from validated concepts to pre-Series A funding. Founder Commitment: At least one founder must work full-time on the project. Evaluation Metrics: Startups will be assessed on innovation impact, market potential, sustainability contribution, and scalability. Prizes and Recognition: 1st Place: $50,000 2nd Place: $10,000 3rd Place: $5,000 Finalists will gain global exposure by presenting at the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, connecting with over 1,500 food and agricultural leaders from more than 70 countries. Judging Panel: The panel includes Han Chen, a business leader in sustainable innovation, and Lazarus Lynch, a chef and advocate for inclusive food security solutions. Additional judges will be announced prior to the final pitch in October 2025. Timeline and Application Process Applications Open: January 21, 2025 Submission Deadline: April 15, 2025 Top 10 Announced: June 2025 at DialogueNEXT India Virtual Public Voting: June-July 2025 Top 3 Announced: August 2025 Final Competition: October 21-23, 2025, at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa Apply here - https://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/nominations/innovate_for_impact_challenge/ Share with your contacts! #gisthub