Lagos, Nigeria – The Bet9ja Foundation has officially opened applications for the ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2.0 on April 1, 2026, marking the return of its flagship programme designed to identify, fund, and support high-potential early-stage Nigerian businesses.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the ScaleUp programme continues to serve as a strategic platform for empowering entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and exposure required to scale sustainably in Nigeria’s evolving business landscape.
At its core, ScaleUp 2.0 is designed to move businesses beyond survival into structured growth. Selected businesses will receive up to ₦3 million in grants, participate in a 10-week accelerator programme, and gain access to mentorship and investor networks. The programme will culminate in a Demo Night, where participants pitch to investors, with the winning business receiving ₦5 million.
The first edition demonstrated strong impact. Ten businesses received ₦3 million each in grants alongside mentorship and training. At the pitch event, Abraham Babarinde, founder of Martech Store, emerged as the grand prize winner, securing ₦10 million, while runner-up businesses received ₦5 million each in addition to their grants.
With ScaleUp 2.0, the Foundation is committing up to ₦33 million in grants to support a new cohort of entrepreneurs, reinforcing its role in driving enterprise development and economic growth in Nigeria.
According to Ada Cuomo, Executive Director of Bet9ja Foundation:
“ScaleUp is more than a funding initiative, it is a platform for transformation. We are equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to build sustainable businesses.”
Applications are open to Nigerian-owned businesses that are registered, operational for at least six months, and generating revenue.
Interested applicants can apply via bet9jafoundation.org/scaleup.
Applications close on April 30, 2026.
About Bet9ja Foundation
Bet9ja Foundation is a philanthropic organisation committed to improving lives across Nigeria through targeted interventions in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, sports development, and community infrastructure, with a focus on sustainable, people-centred impact.
