₦40M+
Disbursed to Founders
10
Selected Startups Per Cohort
₦3M
Grant Funding Per Startup
₦2M
Additional Grant to Final Pitch Winner
Empowering early-stage Nigerian businesses to scale
The ScaleUp Business Accelerator Program is Bet9ja Foundation’s flagship entrepreneurship program designed to identify, support and accelerate high-potential Nigerian SMEs and startups. Through non-dilutive grant funding, structured training, mentorship, and market access, the program equips early-stage businesses with the tools and support needed to scale sustainably and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
Selected businesses receive up to ₦3 million in grant funding and compete in the ScaleUp Pitch Challenge, where the winning business is awarded an additional ₦5 million grant.
What's in it for You and Your Business
Mentorship
Work closely with experienced mentors and industry experts who provide hands-on guidance tailored to your industry.
Funding
Access non-dilutive funding to help you build and scale your business without giving up equity.
Growth
Unlock access to investors, partners, a growing community of ScaleUp alumni and new markets.
Who should apply
Businesses that:
- Are registered in Nigeria (CAC or Business Name registration).
- Have operated for a minimum of 6 months.
- Are generating revenue.
- Demonstrate clear traction (revenue, customers, or pilot programs).
- Show strong scalability potential beyond their current market.
Founders that:
- Are Nigerian citizens or legal residents.
- Are between 22–40 years old at the time of application.
- Are founders or co-founders actively involved in the business.
- Can commit to full participation in the 10-week accelerator.
Elligible Industries
The Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator welcomes startups and growing businesses across a wide range of industries. Our program is designed to provide tailored mentorship, access to funding and strategic growth opportunities for businesses with the potential to scale sustainably.
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Agriculture & Agritech
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Healthcare Services & HealthTech
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Fintech & Financial Services
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EdTech & Skills Development
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Renewable Energy & CleanTech
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Retail & E-commerce
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Light Manufacturing & Production
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Logistics & Transportation
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Fashion & Lifestyle
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Professional & Business Services
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Hospitality & Tourism
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Creative Industries & Media
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Others
Where Ideas Turned Into Growth
Explore highlights from our workshops, mentorship sessions, and final Pitch Night, and experience the energy, collaboration, and defining moments that shaped our most recent accelerator cohort.
Proven Results, Real Impact
Get firsthand perspectives from founders on their journey through the program and how it helped grow their businesses
Abraham Babarinde
CEO @ Martech
Eniola Robert
Founder @ Ennie Wears
Cornelius Ugwunwa
Co Founder @ Go Kardinal
Program Timeline
April 1, 2026
Applications Open
Rolling admissions begin. Early application is encouraged.
Apr 30, 2026
Application Deadline (11:59pm WAT)
Applications close at 11:59pm WAT. Late submissions will not be considered.
Testimonials from Founders
Get firsthand perspectives from founders on their journey through the program and how it helped grow their businesses
The Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Program has been an invaluable experience for me and my organization. Through a series of engaging and impactful lectures, we gained deep insights into critical aspects of our business, including: Growth Strategies Competitive Analysis Customer Segmentation Financial Management, and more. This program has helped us refine our strategies and address key challenges unique to our business. I am truly grateful to the Bet9ja Foundation for this opportunity and i highly recommend it to any brand looking to scale and succeed.
Took a long break from business due to service year, was caught up in a situation that almost put us out of business, but when i cam across the Bte9ja Foundation Scaleup Business Accelerator and applied and i was selected. These past 4 weeks have been insightful, and perception shifts with the sessions and classes we have had. I have had to learn, unlearn and relearn and i'm glad the Be9ja Foundation "betted" on me. Thank you for the opportunity, i'm truly grateful.
Another insightful session at the ScaleUp Business Accelerator Programme by the #Bet9jaFoundation especially for us on Market Penetration! 😊 We could use practicals for a break, men-theories are too much in many of these Accelerators. The practical sessions really helped to see the numbers behind our operations. Especially trends for us in new markets. Thank you, ScaleUp Business Accelerator.
Bet9ja Foundation's, process on mentorship is very intentional and different from the ordinary, followed with awesome practical sections that puts me and my business in a fast lane impact system. Bet9ja Foundation made me see the biggest fear of scaling my innovation and how to overcome it to become a successful brand in future. Financially Bet9ja Foundation made me understand the real value of my brand, this one shock me. I will tell you more later for part 2. All the credit to Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator for Nigerian startups and more. Thank you Bet9ja Foundation for being intentional with us in our success story.
How to apply
01. Review Eligibility
Confirm you meet all eligibility requirements listed above.
02. Prepare Your Documents
Before starting your application, prepare the following:
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Business Plan - Download Template
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Financial Summary - Download Template
- CAC Certificate or Business Name Registration
03. Complete the Online Application
Fill out all required fields in the application form.
Budget 45-60 minutes to complete.
04. Upload Supporting Documents
Upload your business plan, financials, and registration documents.
All files must be in PDF format.
Ready to fuel your Growth?
Join the next cohort of founders who are transforming industries and defining the future of Nigeria's economic development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
Yes, if you are a Nigerian citizen with a registered Nigerian business that operates in Nigeria. You must be available to participate in the Accelerator (virtual attendance is possible) and Demo Night (in-person attendance required).
Yes, previous grant recipients from other organizations are eligible. However, previous ScaleUp grant recipients cannot apply again.
There's no minimum revenue threshold, but you must demonstrate some form of traction—whether revenue, paying customers, pilots, or partnerships. Pure idea-stage ventures are not eligible.
No. The age requirement (22-40) applies to the primary applicant/lead founder only. Co-founders can be any age.
Application Process
No. Only one application per founder is allowed. If you have multiple businesses, choose the one with the strongest fit for the program.
Yes. You'll receive an automated email confirmation upon successful submission. If you don't receive this, contact us immediately.
Selection Process
Applications are scored by two independent reviewers across five criteria: Innovation (25%), Business Viability (25%), Team Strength (20%), Market Potential (20%), and Social Impact (10%). Shortlisted applicants are interviewed before final selection.
No. Selection decisions are final. We encourage unsuccessful applicants to apply to future editions.
Grant and Funding
No. The ScaleUp grant is non-dilutive—we don't take any equity or ownership in your business.
Tranche 1 (50%) is disbursed upon grant agreement execution and KYC completion, typically early May. Tranche 2 (50%) follows milestone completion, typically within 30 days of Demo Night.
No, grants are non-repayable if used as agreed. However, misuse of funds may trigger recovery proceedings.
Accelerator Program
The Accelerator is primarily virtual, with some optional in-person sessions in Lagos. Demo Night is an in-person event that all finalists must attend.
Expect 4-6 hours per week: 90-minute masterclass, 30-40 minute mentorship session, peer circle meetings, and assignment completion.
Attendance below 80% may affect your standing and grant disbursement. If you have a genuine conflict, notify the program team in advance. Recordings are available for missed sessions.
