Hello Innovators! 👋

Precious here from SASIE, your partner in tech entrepreneurship.

Seizing the Mid-Month Momentum

Happy Monday of a new week! Indeed, going into the second half of February, the pace of movement in the ecosystem is definitely accelerating. This is the time when “planning” becomes “doing.”

Whether you need no-strings-attached tech support from Google, are looking for a funding opportunity for your SME in Nigeria or are ready to take your startup from awesome idea to commercial sustainability, this week’s curation is meant to move the needle for you. Success is not only hard work but also the right information at the right time. We’ve done the heavy lifting; now it’s your turn to say "Yes" to the next level.

Indie EmpowerHer (by Indie Finance)

A dedicated financing and business programme specifically designed to support women-owned businesses in Nigeria. It seeks to empower women entrepreneurs to move from mere survival to success by providing access to capital and the structure needed for scaling.

What You’ll Get:

• Access to specialized business loans and financing.

• Business support services include advice on managing finances and operations.

• Mentorship from industry experts.

• Networking opportunities with a community of women entrepreneurs and possible investors.

Who can apply?

• Female entrepreneurs owning and running a business registered in Nigeria.

• Businesses should be operational in Lagos State.

• Must have been operational for not less than 12 months.

• Desire to attend the training and mentorship sessions.

Deadline: April 21, 2026

Madica Startup Program

Madica is a formalised investment initiative that provides financial and non-financial support to early-stage startups in Africa. The program is dedicated to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs as well as socially focused teams that are full of purpose by giving them not only the money but also the world-class help they require to grow.

What You'll Receive

• Funding: Up to 200K USD.Curated

• Support: Connecting to a panel of top-notch mentors and experts in the industry.

• Strategic Guidance: Personalised help with product development, marketing strategy, and business operations.

• Follow-up Support: Preparing for next time fundraising and getting introduced to potential investors.

Who Can Apply?

• Startups led by Africans and based in Africa.

• Companies at the pre-seed phase have a working prototype (MVP).

• Entrepreneurs from disadvantaged social groups or locally addressing major problems.

 Deadline: Rolling Basis

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition

The philanthropic program by the Jack Ma Foundation in Africa aimed at recognising, enabling, and inspiring a new generation of African entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their respective communities and tackling Africa's most urgent challenges.

What You’ll Receive:

• A share of the $1.5 million USD grant prize pool.

• Global publicity and recognition through ABH Show and others.

• Access to exclusive mentorship and training with business legends.

• The membership of an elite circle of African businesspeople and investors.

Who Can Apply?

• From all 54 countries in Africa.

• Founders or Co-founders of businesses based in Africa and primarily operating in Africa.

• The business should have been in operation for at least 3 years.

• The contest is open to all industries and age groups.

Deadline: May 19, 2026

Call for Speakers: Global African Women’s Sustainability Conference (GAWSC) 2.0

Impact HER is calling visionary leaders, green innovation specialists, and trade pioneers to deliver presentations at GAWSC 2.0 in Abuja. Its theme will be “Rethink · Reinvent · Regenerate: Women Entrepreneurs as Architects of Global Africa’s Sustainable Future," in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Africa's Green Industrialization.

What You’ll Receive:

• A global stage for thought leadership in front of policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs.

• Access to a pan-African network of over 1,000 decision-makers.

• Free complimentary registration for all sessions and networking activities.

• Opportunities to lead on Keynotes, Panel Discussions, Fireside Chats, or Masterclasses.

Who Can Apply?

• High-level trade diplomats, policymakers, and SDG strategists.

• Circular economy pioneers and climate-smart agriculture.

• Supply chain, logistics, and digital scale professionals.

• Institutional finance leaders, venture capitalists, and angel investors are investing in green tech or female-led companies.

Deadline: February 20, 2026

Google for Startups Accelerator Africa (2026 cohort)

A three-month program for technology-based startups across the African continent that seeks to solve the problems by bringing the best of Google's programs, products, people, and technologies to African startups.

What You’ll Receive:

• Equity-free assistance throughout the length of the program.

• Specialized mentorship from Google teams and industry experts.

• Access to Google product credits, such as Google Cloud.

• Access to Google’s artificial intelligence products earlier and Trusted Tester benefits.

• Strategic and Technical Project Partnerships to Help You Overcome Your Toughest Tech Challenges.

Who Can Apply?

• Growth-stage technology startups in Africa.

• Startups with traction and scalable products or services.

• Companies that utilise deep technologies such as Machine Learning and AI.

• Commitment by the CTO/technical leads to become involved in the program sessions.

Deadline: March 18, 2026

ICYMI

• How to Secure a Small Business Grant in 5 Easy Steps

• 4 Tips to Turn a Layoff Into a Startup Opportunity

• Virtual Assistant / Social Media Specialist: (Remote)

• IIH-PDP Healthcare Innovation Campaign 2026

• Women Techsters Bootcamp: Kickstart your Tech Career with AI

• 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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