Guide to Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation $5,000 Grant

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme is a landmark initiative designed to empower African entrepreneurs, foster economic development, and create transformative change across the continent. Backed by a $100 million commitment from the Elumelu family, this 10-year programme aims to identify, train, mentor, and provide financial support to 10,000 entrepreneurs by 2025.

Programme Benefits

Successful applicants benefit from a comprehensive support package that equips them to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. This includes:

• 12 Weeks of Online Training: A tailored curriculum focusing on practical skills, business fundamentals, and problem-solving strategies to overcome challenges in the entrepreneurial journey.
• Mentorship: Access to world-class mentors who provide personalized guidance and support throughout the program.
• Seed Capital: Each participant receives $5,000 in non-refundable seed funding to test and validate their business concepts.
• TEF Network Access: Participants join a robust community of startups and entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for collaboration and networking.
• Opportunities for Additional Funding: Graduates of the program can explore avenues for further investment to scale their businesses.

Vision and Impact

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme seeks to create:

• 1 Million Jobs: Empowering businesses to provide employment across diverse industries.
• $10 Billion in Revenue: Stimulating economic growth and contributing to Africa’s GDP.

The program addresses critical gaps in entrepreneurship across all 54 African countries, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience among small and medium-sized enterprises.

How the Program Works

The TEF training curriculum is strategically designed to support entrepreneurs at various stages of development. It segments participants based on their experience, enabling a personalized approach to learning. The curriculum emphasizes iterative, hands-on learning that continues to benefit entrepreneurs well beyond the program duration.

Participants are equipped with the tools and knowledge to build sustainable businesses, overcome operational hurdles, and create lasting social and economic impact.

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship: Open to all citizens and legal residents of any African country.
• Business Registration: The business must be registered and operational in Africa.
• Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and of legal age in their country. There is no upper age limit.
• Business Age: The program is open to ideas and early-stage businesses that have been operating for no more than five years.

Special Considerations

1. Single Venture Focus: Applicants with multiple businesses are required to apply with their most promising and innovative idea. Only one application is allowed per participant.
2. Exclusions:
   • Employees or relatives of TEF staff and affiliated organizations (Heirs Holdings and UBA Group).
   • Research institutions, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and businesses operating outside Africa.
   • Applications that are incomplete, inaccurate, unethical, or created using automated tools to gain an unfair advantage.
3. Repeat Applications: Entrepreneurs who have participated in past TEF cohorts or submitted disqualified entries are not eligible.

Application Process

To participate in the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, applicants must follow these steps:

1. Online Submission: Applications are only accepted via the official platform, tefconnect.net.
2. Mandatory Questions: Applicants must complete the form in full, providing accurate and up-to-date details about themselves and their business.
3. Language Options: The application form is available in English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic, ensuring accessibility for entrepreneurs from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
4. No Fees: Applying to the program is entirely free. No fees are charged at any stage.
5. Partnerships: If the business is a partnership, only one representative may apply. This individual must hold an equal or majority stake and have the consent of all other partners to participate.

Timeline and Confirmation

Once submitted, applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application.

Embark on a transformative journey to realize your entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to Africa’s economic development.

Visit tefconnect.net to apply today.

CLICK HOW TO APPLY FOR TONY ELUMELU GRANT

CREDIT: OKPARA