Hello Innovators! 👋

Precious here from SASIE, your partner in tech entrepreneurship.

A New Look for A New Year

Happy 2026. We’re beginning this new year with a new approach. We’ve heard your feedback, and for this new year, our newsletter, No Ordinary Woman, is moving beyond just clicking links and will offer a fast-paced roadmap for your success.

The rhythm of January forces us to take high-impact moves. Whether it be access to seed funding, a global platform, or expert guidance, this week’s penalty serves to remove any guesswork before you scale. Let's make this your year of "Yes."

Freshmango AI-Powered Startup Acceleration

Freshmango is an Estonia-based, fully remote accelerator that is tailored for founders looking to go from idea to investor-ready with speed. Freshmango utilises AI-based tools, along with one-on-one mentoring sessions with the best industry experts, that help startups validate, build, and scale their business without taking any equity.

What You'll Get

• $300k in Perks & Services: Utilisation of an enormous set of tools & services to reduce your costs of operation.

• Equity-Free Support: Acceleration or fundraising assistance for up to 6 months or 3 months without giving up ownership.

• Direct Mentorship: One-on-one mentoring with experienced founders and industry experts.

• Investor Network: Access is provided to a worldwide venture capital network.

• Data Room Preparation: Comprehensive information to help you assemble your financials, decks, and stories for fundraising.

Who Can Apply?

• Early-Stage Founders: Start-ups looking to create a scalable business from a strong idea.

• Growth-Ready Startups: Founders ready to refine their valuation reasoning and raise funds.

• Global Access: Since the program will be conducted online, founders from any part of the globe (Nigeria/Africa included) will be eligible to apply.

Deadline: Ongoing / Rolling Basis

2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is Africa's largest advocate for entrepreneurship on the continent. TEF is a 10-year, $100 million investment in identifying, training, mentoring, and funding 10,000 African entrepreneurs. The programme aims to create millions of jobs and generate the income necessary for the sustainable development of the entire continent, under the ideology of Africapitalism.

What You’ll Receive

• $5,000 Non-Refundable Seed Capital: Direct equity investment to establish or expand a business.

• World Class Business Training: 12 weeks of online intensive training on the art of managing and growing a business.

• Mentorship: In this, you can connect with world-class business leaders who would not only be your guides throughout this entrepreneurial experience, once you

• Global Networking: Access to and utilization of the TEFConnect platform, the largest online networking platform for entrepreneurs across Africa.

• Lifetime Alumni Support: Access to opportunities for ongoing support, additional funding, connections, etc.

Who Can Apply?

• African Entrepreneurs: Applicants must be a legal resident of any of the 54 African countries.

• Business Stage: The contest is open to either start-ups (new ideas) or extant businesses (less than 5 years old). Sectors: The project

• Business Stage: Both startups (new ideas) and existing businesses (less than 5 years old) are eligible.

• Sectors: The program is open to all sectors (Agric, Tech, Fashion, Healthcare, etc.).

 Deadline: March 31, 2026

Her Agenda: The Breakthrough Grant (Volume II)

The Breakthrough Grant, which was established to commemorate the 17th anniversary of Her Agenda, has come back for the second volume to assist women entrepreneurs in breaking through the barriers to achieve their goals. The grant, which is also community-funded, was established for women who are already in business and need that push to grow.

What You'll Receive

• $5,000 Cash Grant: An award for financial support in business or professional development.

• “Community Spotlight”: Featured coverage on Her Agenda’s online platforms to increase the reach of your brand.

• Expert Review: All applications are reviewed by a panel of 60+ accomplished industry leaders and executives.

• Discounted Entry: Members of “INSIDER” enjoy a 50% reduction on the normal entry rate.

Deadline: January 18, 2026

AU-EU Youth Action Lab: Powershifting Grants

The AU EU Youth Action Lab provides an opportunity for youth-led initiatives in Africa as well as in Europe to source funding for their own initiatives in finding solutions to world problems. These so-called "powershifting" grants reverse the traditional process since the winners are chosen by a Youth Advisory Board, and the application process is simplified for the youthful candidates.

What You’ll Get

• Project Funding: Financing for the execution of ideas relevant to world challenges.

• Organizational Capacity: The grants will facilitate the development of strength, resistance, and financial security for you to succeed.

• Four Specialized Grant Tracks:

  Innovation Grants: To develop, pilot, or expand innovation.

  Entrepreneurship Grants: To promote social entrepreneurship and job creation.

  Representation Grants: For marginalized voices operating on the grassroots level.

  Cooperation Grants: To support joint advocacy efforts by African and European youths.

• Duration: Projects run for a maximum period of 12 months.

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• Share the wealth! Do you know another 'No Ordinary Woman' in need of a ₦100M fund or a $5,000 grant? Share this mail with her! I'll share my '2026 Grant Application Checklist' with you as my special thank you for adding to the growth of our community, if you share this email with 3 friends

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