Impact at a glance
Funding that moves businesses forward.
Amount disbursed to Founders
₦20M+
Startups selected Per Cohort
10
Grant Funding Per Startup
₦3M+
Additional Grant for Pitch Winner
₦2M+
Turning Business Potential into Sustainable Growth.
Many promising businesses have the ideas and ambition to grow but need the right support to reach their next stage.
ScaleUp helps founders strengthen their businesses through practical learning, mentorship, funding opportunities and access to valuable networks.
What founders gain
More Than Funding. A Foundation for Growth.
01
Business Development
Practical training that helps founders strengthen their business models, understand their markets, improve financial management and build strategies for growth.
02
Mentorship
Guidance from experienced mentors and industry experts, tailored to business challenges and opportunities.
03
Market Access and Networks
Opportunities to build relationships with peers, partners, industry professionals and potential investors.
04
Pitch and Investor Readiness
Preparation to communicate business models, growth strategies and opportunities confidently.
05
Non-Dilutive Grant Funding
Financial support that enables selected businesses to grow without surrendering equity.
The ScaleUp journey
From Ambition to Action.
1
Apply and Be Considered
Businesses submit their applications and relevant supporting information for review.
2
Selection and Preparation
Eligible applicants are assessed, and shortlisted founders are selected for the accelerator.
3
Build, Learn and Grow
Selected businesses participate in training, mentorship, practical business development and growth-focused activities.
4
Pitch, Connect and Progress
Participants showcase their businesses, engage with industry stakeholders and pursue growth opportunities through the programme.
Who should apply
For Founders Ready for the Next Stage.
Your Business
- Registered in Nigeria with a valid CAC company or business-name registration.
- Operating for at least six months.
- Generating revenue or able to demonstrate meaningful business traction.
- Showing potential for sustainable growth and scalability.
- A business model or product with a clear market opportunity.
The Founder
- Nigerian citizenship or legal residency.
- A founder or co-founder actively involved in the business.
- Primary applicant aged 22–40.
- Commitment to participate fully in the accelerator programme.
Industries we support
Big Ideas. Different Industries. Shared Potential.
Agriculture & Agritech
Healthcare & HealthTech
Fintech & Financial Services
EdTech & Skills Development
Renewable Energy & CleanTech
Retail & E-commerce
Light Manufacturing & Production
Logistics & Transportation
Fashion & Lifestyle
Professional & Business Services
Hospitality & Tourism
Creative Industries & Media
+ other eligible industries
ScaleUp in action
Where Ideas Turn into Growth.
From practical workshops and mentorship sessions to pitch presentations and founder celebrations, explore the moments that bring the ScaleUp journey to life.
Founder stories
Real Founders. Real Journeys. Real Possibilities.
Martech Stores
Abraham Babarinde
Martech Stores is an online grocery platform that gives people access to fresh groceires. The bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp programme did so much for our store.
Ennie Wears
Eniola Robert
Martech Stores is an online grocery platform that gives people access to fresh groceires. The bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp programme did so much for our store.
Go Kardinal
Cornelius Ugwunwa
Martech Stores is an online grocery platform that gives people access to fresh groceires. The bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp programme did so much for our store.
cohort history
The ScaleUp Journey So Far.
Completed edition
ScaleUp 1.0
The second edition took ten founders through an intensive accelerator and mentorship experience, culminating in a Business Pitch Night in 2025.
Applications received
700
Entrepreneurs selected
10
Accelerator programme
10
Completed edition
ScaleUp 2.0
The second edition took ten founders through an intensive accelerator and mentorship experience, culminating in a Business Pitch Night in 2026.
Applications received
900
Entrepreneurs selected
10
Accelerator programme
10
How to apply
Take the Next Step for Your Business
1
Review the Eligibility Requirements
Confirm your business and founder profile meet the official guidelines for the current cohort.
2
Prepare the Required Documents
Typically a business plan, financial summary and CAC or business-name registration. Check the current checklist.
3
Complete the Online Application
Use the official application link published when a new cycle opens.
4
Submit and Follow Updates
Submit before the deadline and watch Foundation channels for shortlisting news.
Applications currently closed
The ScaleUp 2.0 application cycle has ended. A new application window has not yet been announced.
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.
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.
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.
stay updated
Don't miss the next cohort.
Announcements, application updates, founder stories and opportunities from the ScaleUp Business Accelerator, straight to your inbox.