The Founders Support Initiative (FSI) has announced its call for applications for the 2026 cohort, offering early-stage entrepreneurs access to up to ₦3 million in non-dilutive grant funding along with structured business support designed to accelerate startup growth without equity dilution.
The programme is aimed at strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which remain a critical driver of job creation and grassroots innovation. By providing direct grant funding alongside training and mentorship, the initiative seeks to address one of the biggest challenges faced by early-stage founders: limited access to flexible and risk-tolerant capital.
FSI positions itself as a growth platform for ambitious entrepreneurs building scalable and innovative businesses. The initiative emphasizes that many startups fail not only due to lack of funding but also due to weak operational structures, which it aims to solve through a combination of financial support and capacity building.
Selected participants in the 2026 cohort will receive up to ₦3 million in grant capital to support business expansion, product development, and operational stability. Unlike traditional investment models, the funding is non-dilutive, allowing founders to retain full ownership of their companies.
In addition to funding, the programme includes structured training modules focused on investment readiness, compliance, and business scaling strategies. Participants will also receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced industry professionals and gain access to a broader entrepreneurial ecosystem that includes potential partners and investors.
Applications are now open for eligible founders who are building early-stage or growth-focused ventures with scalable business models. The initiative encourages entrepreneurs with innovative and sustainable solutions to apply and take advantage of the combined financial and strategic support.
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official Founders Support Initiative portal at founderssupport.org.
