Call For Applications: UBS Female Founder Award 2026 | Win US$10,000

Women entrepreneurs building fintech and enterprise technology startups can apply for the UBS Female Founder Award 2026, a global award recognising women founders with innovative businesses, strong leadership and growth potential.

Organised by UBS, the award gives women-led technology businesses an opportunity to gain international recognition, connect with investors and access mentorship and business growth support.

The overall winner will receive US$10,000, while a special Rising Star award will recognise another founder. All finalists will have the opportunity to join Project Female Founder, a year-long investor readiness, networking and mentorship programme.

About the UBS Female Founder Award

The UBS Female Founder Award is an annual global recognition programme for women entrepreneurs in the technology sector. The 2026 edition is its sixth year.

The award focuses on early-stage startups in two areas: financial technology (fintech) and enterprise technology. It aims to highlight women-led businesses with scalable models and the potential to attract investment.

Beyond the cash prize, the programme connects finalists with UBS advisers, experienced entrepreneurs, venture capital firms and other members of the global business community.

Who Can Apply?

The award is designed for women founders leading early-stage technology businesses in fintech or enterprise technology.

Interested applicants should demonstrate:

Female founder leadership: You must be a woman founder of the business.

Technology focus: Your startup must operate in fintech or enterprise technology.

Innovation: Your business should offer a distinct solution to a market problem.

Growth potential: You should have a scalable business model with room to expand.

Leadership: You should demonstrate the ability to lead the company and execute its plans.

Business performance: Your application should explain the company’s financial track record and potential for future growth.

Applicants should consult the official award rules for the full eligibility requirements before submitting. The programme is global, but specific rules may apply depending on the applicant’s location.

Which Businesses Are Eligible?

The award focuses on two categories of technology businesses.

1. Financial Technology (Fintech)

This category includes startups using technology to improve financial services and products.

Examples may include digital payments, financial infrastructure, digital banking, financial data tools and other technology-driven financial solutions.

2. Enterprise Technology

This category covers technology solutions that help businesses improve their operations, productivity, infrastructure or decision-making.

Examples may include enterprise software, data analytics, artificial intelligence applications and business technology platforms.

Applicants should show how their solutions address a clear business need and how the company can grow its customer base or market reach.

What Will Selected Founders Receive?

US$10,000 Cash Prize

The overall winner will receive US$10,000 to support her entrepreneurial journey. UBS will also recognise a Rising Star through a special award.

Project Female Founder

All finalists will have the opportunity to join Project Female Founder, a year-long programme designed to strengthen investor readiness and expand founders’ professional networks.

Mentorship and Investor Access

Finalists can receive mentoring from UBS advisers and gain access to female-focused venture capital firms, investors and experienced entrepreneurs.

Global Visibility

The award provides opportunities for publicity, speaking engagements and international recognition. This exposure can help founders introduce their businesses to potential investors, partners and new markets.

Business Growth Support

Through Project Female Founder, participants can work on investor readiness and pitching, connect with other entrepreneurs and access a wider support network. The programme also includes access to the Coralus network through its partners.

How Will Applications Be Assessed?

UBS identifies four main considerations in the award’s selection process:

Diversity: The contribution the founder and business bring to the technology ecosystem.

Financial track record: The company’s financial performance and business progress.

Growth potential: The ability to scale the business and attract investment.

Leadership: The founder’s leadership capabilities and vision for the company.

Applicants should present a clear account of their business model, the problem it solves, its progress so far and its plans for growth.

APPLY HERE

Call for Applications: TTSWG Innovation Makers Challenge 2.0 (Win Up to ₦6 Million)

DEADLINE: 15, August 2026

Applications are now open for the Innovation Makers Challenge 2.0, an initiative by The Time-Travelling Solutions Working Group (TTSWG) designed to support early-stage, revenue-generating startups in the technology and sustainability sectors.

The challenge provides funding, mentorship, incubation, and a national platform to help innovative startups scale their impact.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

Early-stage startups

Revenue-generating businesses

Technology startups

Sustainability-focused ventures

Entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions with the potential for social and economic impact.

Prizes

Successful participants will compete for the following cash prizes:

Grand Winner: ₦6,000,000

First Prize: ₦2,000,000

Second Prize: ₦1,500,000

Programme Benefits

Selected startups will receive:

Cash funding to accelerate business growth

Business mentorship from industry experts

Startup incubation support.

National exposure and visibility.

Access to a platform for scaling innovative solutions.

APPLY HERE

Call For Applications: TTS Nigeria Program 2026 (Free Training +Job Placement)

Applications are open for the TTS Nigeria Programme, an initiative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundationand Tech4Dev, designed to equip young Nigerian women with skills for tech-enabled career opportunities.

The programme offers free training and job placement opportunities across several sales, banking, and customer-focused roles.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to women aged 18–35 who are interested in developing their careers in tech-enabled roles.

Available Career Opportunities

Participants may be trained and considered for roles including:

Sales Executive

Telesales

Direct Sales Agent

Retail Banking Officer

Relationship Officer

Customer Acquisition Officer

What You’ll Get

Free professional training

Job placement opportunities

Skills development for tech-enabled careers

Exposure to the financial and technology sectors

Inclusive career opportunities

How to Apply

Interested applicants can complete the online application form:

APPLY HERE

Call for Applications: Pave Her Way Women’s Grant Programs 2026 (Up to $90,000 in Funding)

Applications open for the Pave Her Way Women’s Grant Programs, a global funding initiative designed to empower women through financial support, mentorship, leadership development, and access to a network of change makers.

The program supports women at different stages of their personal and professional journeys, whether they are established leaders creating impact, innovators developing transformative ideas, or women seeking financial assistance to advance their education or careers.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is open to women who:

Have demonstrated leadership in their communities or professions

Are developing innovative projects benefiting women and girls

Need financial support for education or career advancement

Face financial barriers to achieving their goals

Want to scale their impact and expand their leadership

Are committed to empowering women and creating positive social change.

Applicants from all sectors are encouraged to apply, including education, healthcare, business, technology, science, journalism, social entrepreneurship, arts, environmental conservation, government, and community development.

Funding Opportunities

1. Change Agent Prize

This award recognizes accomplished women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and measurable impact in improving the lives of women and girls.

Funding:

Up to $90,000

Additional Benefits:

Optional mentorship

Cohort learning experience

Networking opportunities

Access to a global community of women leaders

2. Disruptor Award

The Disruptor Award supports women with innovative projects or ideas that have the potential to create meaningful change for women and girls.

Projects may focus on:

Women’s economic empowerment

Education

Healthcare

Technology

Entrepreneurship

Leadership development

Gender equality

Climate resilience

Financial inclusion

Social innovation

Community development

Funding:

Up to $90,000

Additional Benefits:

Mentorship

Cohort-based learning

Professional networking opportunities

3. Financial Aid Program

This programme provides financial assistance to women facing economic challenges that limit their ability to pursue education, professional development, or opportunities for personal growth.

Funding may be used to:

Continue education

Access professional development opportunities

Overcome financial hardship

Invest in career advancement

Funding:

Up to $30,000

Additional Benefits:

Optional mentorship

Optional cohort experience

Networking opportunities

Programme Benefits

Successful applicants may receive:

Funding of up to $90,000

Leadership mentorship

Professional development opportunities

Cohort learning experiences

Global networking opportunities

Access to an international community of women leaders and changemakers

 

Application Timeline

Applications Open: August 2026

Application Deadline: To be announced

Application Timeline

Applications Open: August 2026

Application Deadline: To be announced

APPLY HERE

Call for Applications: GET Compass SMEBusinessGrant 2026 (Up to ₦2 Million in Funding)

   DEADLINE:  Aug 20, 2026

Applications are now open for the GET Compass SME Grant 2026, an initiative by the Grooming Endowment Trust (GET) designed to support early-stage small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria with grant funding of up to ₦2 million.

Beyond financial support, the programme equips entrepreneurs with business development training, mentorship, and practical knowledge to help them scale sustainably and improve their operations.

Eligibility Criteria

Be 18 years or older

Be Nigerian citizens

Own a business that is not more than three years old.

Have a registered business (including CAC registration or other recognised business registration)

Show evidence that the business is operational.

Be available to attend the mandatory two-week workshop in Lagos.

Grant Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

Up to ₦2 million in SME grant funding

A two-week business development workshop in Lagos

Business advisory and mentorship

Capacity-building sessions to strengthen business operations

Support to improve business growth, expansion, and sustainability.

APPLY HERE

website

Nigerian Entrepreneurs Can Now Apply for Wema Bank’s Free SME Business School 2026

Date: 27th – 29th July 2026

Applications are now open for the Wema Bank SME Business School 2026, a free capacity-building program designed to equip small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners with the practical knowledge and business management skills needed to build, grow, and sustain successful businesses.

Organized by Purple Academy, Wema Bank’s corporate university, the SME Business School aims to bridge critical knowledge gaps affecting Nigerian businesses through expert-led training and practical learning sessions.

About the Program

The Wema Bank SME Business School is designed to strengthen the capacity of entrepreneurs by providing practical insights into business management, strategy, digital transformation, funding, financial management, and sustainable business growth.

The program is open to both Wema Bank customers and non-customers and seeks to help entrepreneurs improve business structure, productivity, profitability, and long-term competitiveness.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

Small and medium-sized business owners in Nigeria.

Entrepreneurs seeking to improve business performance.

Both Wema Bank customers and non-customers.

Individuals interested in acquiring practical business management knowledge.

No academic qualification is required to participate.

Program Benefits

Participants will receive:

Free business management training

Practical business development and growth strategies.

Learning sessions facilitated by experienced industry experts.

Networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs.

Business advisory support.

Certificate of participation upon completion.

Access to knowledge that supports business sustainability and expansion.

APPLY HERE