The Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2026 is now open for applications from high-potential Nigerian SMEs and startups seeking non-dilutive grant funding of up to ₦3 million, structured mentorship, and strategic market access through a 10-week accelerator program. Launched by the Bet9ja Foundation as its flagship entrepreneurship initiative, this program targets revenue-generating businesses registered in Nigeria and led by founders between 22 and 40 years old. Furthermore, selected participants compete in the ScaleUp Pitch Challenge for an additional ₦2 million grant. The application deadline is April 30, 2026.
Program Highlights
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Research Grant / Business Accelerator |
| Organising Body | Bet9ja Foundation |
| Mode | Refer to official notification |
| Duration | 10 Weeks |
| Location / Platform | Nigeria |
| Last Date to Apply | April 30, 2026 |
About the Program
The Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2026 represents the second edition of Bet9ja Foundation’s most strategically significant entrepreneurship initiative — one explicitly designed to close the gap between early-stage business viability and sustainable, scalable growth. Notably, the program distinguishes itself from conventional funding mechanisms by offering non-dilutive grant funding, meaning selected businesses receive capital without surrendering equity or ownership stakes. This structural feature makes the program particularly significant for founders who have already demonstrated market traction but lack the financial runway to expand operations.
The Bet9ja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bet9ja — one of Nigeria’s largest sports betting companies — channels its corporate social responsibility investments into economic empowerment and entrepreneurship development across Nigeria. Consequently, the ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2.0 reflects a deliberate institutional commitment to strengthening the Nigerian SME ecosystem by combining direct financial support with access to experienced industry mentors, investor networks, and strategic growth communities through the ScaleUp alumni network.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- No specific academic degree requirement is stated for this program
- Open to founders and co-founders actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their business
- Eligible businesses must be registered in Nigeria through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or as a Business Name registration
Experience & Other Conditions
- The business must have operated for a minimum of 6 months at the time of application
- The business must be actively generating revenue — pre-revenue ventures are not eligible
- Applicants must demonstrate clear traction through measurable indicators such as revenue figures, customer acquisition, or active pilot programs
- The business must show strong and credible scalability potential beyond its current market
- Founders must be Nigerian citizens or legal residents of Nigeria
- Founders must be between 22 and 40 years old at the time of application
- Founders must commit to full participation throughout the 10-week accelerator program duration
Benefits & Funding
Selected businesses receive a comprehensive support package combining non-dilutive grant funding with mentorship, investor access, and community integration.
| Component | Amount / Detail |
|---|---|
| Non-Dilutive Grant Funding | Up to ₦3 million per selected business |
| ScaleUp Pitch Challenge Prize | Additional ₦2 million for the winning business |
| Mentorship | Hands-on guidance from experienced mentors and industry experts tailored to each business’s sector |
| Growth Access | Connection to investors, strategic partners, and the ScaleUp alumni community |
| Market Access | Pathways to new markets beyond the business’s current operational geography |
Topics / Themes Covered
The Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2026 welcomes applications from businesses operating across the following industries:
- Agriculture and Agritech
- Healthcare Services and HealthTech
- Fintech and Financial Services
- EdTech and Skills Development
- Renewable Energy and CleanTech
- Retail and E-commerce
- Light Manufacturing and Production
- Logistics and Transportation
- Fashion and Lifestyle
- Professional and Business Services
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Creative Industries and Media
- Other sectors demonstrating strong scalability potential
Selection Process
- Initial review of application completeness and eligibility — business registration status, revenue generation, operational duration, and founder age compliance
- Assessment of demonstrated traction — revenue figures, customer numbers, and pilot program evidence
- Evaluation of scalability potential and market expansion strategy
- Selection of cohort participants for the 10-week accelerator program
- Participation in the ScaleUp Pitch Challenge, where the winning business among cohort members receives an additional ₦2 million grant
How to Apply
- Confirm that your business meets all eligibility requirements — CAC or Business Name registration, at least 6 months of operations, active revenue generation, and demonstrated traction.
- Verify that you as a founder are a Nigerian citizen or legal resident aged between 22 and 40 years at the time of application.
- Ensure you can commit to full participation in the 10-week accelerator program before proceeding.
- Access the official Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator application portal via the link provided in the Important Links section.
- Complete and submit the online application before April 30, 2026.
No application fee is stated for this program.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | April 30, 2026 |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Visit Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of businesses are eligible for the Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2026?
Businesses registered in Nigeria through the CAC or as a Business Name, that have operated for at least 6 months, are actively generating revenue, and can demonstrate clear traction and scalability potential are eligible to apply. Notably, the Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2026 welcomes applications from over a dozen sectors, ranging from fintech and agritech to fashion, creative industries, and professional services.
Is the grant funding equity-based or non-dilutive?
The grant funding provided under this program is entirely non-dilutive, meaning selected businesses receive up to ₦3 million in direct financial support without relinquishing any equity or ownership stake. Consequently, founders retain full control of their business throughout and after the program. Additionally, the winning business in the ScaleUp Pitch Challenge receives a further ₦2 million non-dilutive grant.
What is the age requirement for founders applying to this program?
Founders must be between 22 and 40 years old at the time of application. Furthermore, they must be Nigerian citizens or legal residents of Nigeria, and must be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the business – passive investors or non-operational co-founders do not qualify as eligible applicants under the program criteria.
How long is the accelerator program and what does it involve?
The Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2026 runs for 10 weeks. During this period, selected businesses receive structured training, hands-on mentorship from experienced industry experts, and access to investors, strategic partners, and the broader ScaleUp alumni community. The program culminates in the ScaleUp Pitch Challenge, where participating businesses compete for an additional grant award.
Can a pre-revenue startup apply for this accelerator program?
No. The program explicitly requires that applicant businesses are already generating revenue at the time of application. Furthermore, businesses must demonstrate clear traction – quantified through revenue figures, customer numbers, or active pilot programs – and show strong scalability potential beyond their existing market. Pre-revenue or concept-stage ventures do not meet the eligibility threshold for the Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2026.