Hello Innovators! 👋

Precious here from SASIE, your partner in tech entrepreneurship.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it." – Peter Drucker

​This week, I've compiled a list of opportunities designed for innovators and leaders across various fields. Whether you're an entrepreneur with a new business idea, a professional working on a social cause, or a student looking to make your mark, these grants, fellowships, and conferences are your gateway to a wider network, essential funding, and the skills needed to create a lasting impact.

​Let's find the opportunity that's right for you.

• beVisioneers: Mercedes-Benz Fellowship 2026/2027

• FATE Foundation's Emerging Entrepreneurs Programme (EEP)

• The 10th FATE Business Conference: "The AI-Powered Business"

• Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program 2026

• FATE Foundation Annual Awards!

beVisioneers: Mercedes-Benz Fellowship 2026/2027

beVisioneers Fellowship is a free application scheme to empower young creatives interested in addressing environmental challenges. The fellowship empowers the participants with skills, resources, and support to bring their eco-innovative ideas to life.

What You'll Get

• Fully Funded Program: All program expenses, including travel and accommodation to in-person events, are covered.

• Mentoring & Coaching: Fellows receive one-to-one mentorship by experienced professionals and venture coaches.

• Project Grants: Trainees are eligible to apply for project scholarships of up to €20,000 to assist in the funding of their projects.

• International Community: Access to a community of peers, sustainability leaders, and experts through online courses, local meetups, and a regional summit.

• Financial Support: For financial necessity, help with a living allowance and internet access.

Deadline: January 25, 2026

FATE Foundation's Emerging Entrepreneurs Programme (EEP)

A program for mature entrepreneurs to strategically transform their businesses for sustainable growth.

Do you have a background as a serial entrepreneur looking to take your business up a notch? The FATE Foundation Emerging Entrepreneurs Programme (EEP) is Nigeria's top Owner-Manager program. This program is tailored specifically for entrepreneurs who have been running their business for three years or more. It is a rigorous program that offers training, one-to-one guidance, and mentoring. It's an opportunity to learn the strategic skills and tools for staying competitive, sustainable, and scalable in your business.

What You'll Receive

• Strategic Growth Plan: Develop a solid 1-3 Year Strategic Growth Plan for your company.

• Financial Savvy: Improve your financial management expertise.

• Master Mentorship: Receive one-to-one advisory and mentorship from world-class C-Level entrepreneurial and professional leaders.

• Networking: Network with a cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs.

• Practical Learning: Join interactive physical classes, case studies, and business site visits to acquire practical learning.

Who Is Eligible?

Experienced entrepreneurs who fulfil the requirements below:

• They are presently actively involved in running their business for a period of not less than three years.

• Have at least annual revenues of ₦50,000,000.

• Earn their full-time income from their business.

• Have at least 5 to 100 staff.

The 10th FATE Business Conference: "The AI-Powered Business" 

The FATE Business Conference is an annual flagship event where entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and FATE Foundation alumni come together. The 2025 edition, the 10th in the series, has the theme "The AI-Powered Business: Innovate. Automate. Accelerate."

Event Details Theme: The AI-Powered Business: Innovate. Automate. Accelerate.

Date: Friday, September 26, 2025

Venue: Balmoral Convention Centre, Lagos, Nigeria

What to Expect

• The conference will examine the transformational power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in corporate development and innovation.

• The agenda includes: Keynote Addresses: Emphasising insights from leading figures.

• Confirmed keynote speakers include Kofo Akinkugbe (Founder/Group CEO, SecureID Group) and Adedeji Olowe (Founder, Lendsqr).

• Roundtable Discussions: Led by thinking minds such as Olatunbosun Alake (Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology for Lagos State).

• Pitch Competition: Entrepreneurs with AI-related business ideas will have the chance to compete for grants of up to ₦1 Million.

• Networking: Exposure to other entrepreneurs, potential collaborators, and investors.

The conference aims to empower more than 1,000 entrepreneurs with the information and tools they need to innovate and drive business growth in a dynamic business environment.

Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program 2026

A two-month incubator training program, fully sponsored, to equip people with the skills, resources, and capital to launch a high-impact charity.

Do you have a strong desire and enthusiasm to improve the world? The Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program 2026 offers limited places to receive training and guidance on starting a new, evidence-based, and low-cost charity. This challenging programme is designed to prepare promising individuals to become successful charity founders.

What You'll Receive

• Free Training: A two-month, intense, cost-free program instructed by successful founders.

• Seed Grant: A maximum of $200,000 USD seed funding to start your charity.

• Co-Founder Matching: The opportunity to find a like-minded co-founder to collaborate with.

• Mentorship & Community: Be part of a well-connected and collaborative network of charity entrepreneurs and experts.

• Evidence-Based Ideas: The program provides you with tested and low-cost, high-impact intervention ideas that work.

Who Can Apply?

The program is for talented and driven individuals who have the following traits:

• Age: Applicants of any age are welcome.

• Background: Formal qualifications and particular work experience are not needed.

• Mindset: Applicants should be open-minded, willing to learn, and enthusiastic about making meaningful contributions to their careers.

Deadline: October 5, 2025.

FATE Foundation Annual Awards

The FATE Foundation Annual Awards event is one of the events that recognizes and honours great entrepreneurs and heroes of the entrepreneurial ecosystem within Nigeria. It is a prominent occasion when partners, alumni, and stakeholders gather to reward entrepreneurs who have contributed to the development and growth of Nigerian enterprises.

These are the key award categories:

• FATE Model Entrepreneur (FME) Award: This award honours a prominent entrepreneur who has created a successful, high-integrity business and has been a consistent source of inspiration and encouragement to other entrepreneurs.

• FATE Alumni Model Entrepreneur (FAME) Award: This is an annual award for an FATE Foundation alumnus who has created a successful, high-integrity business and is a source of inspiration and encouragement for other entrepreneurs.

• FATE Model Entrepreneurship Advocate of the Year Award: Awarded to an individual working in mainstream media, new media, or academia who consistently advocates and articulates data and facts that are targeted at the Nigerian entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Nomination and Event Details

• Nomination Process: The nominations are typically opened some months ahead of the awards ceremony.

• Annual Celebration and Awards Ceremony 2025: The event will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

• Eligibility: Each award has certain criteria, including business achievement, media advocacy, and being an alumnus of the FATE Foundation. Please visit the official FATE Foundation website for the most up-to-date information and eligibility criteria.

ICYMI

• Why Storytelling Is an Entrepreneur’s Most Powerful Soft Skill - INC

• 7 AI Tools to Build a Profitable One-Person Business That Runs While You Sleep - Entrepreneur 

• Stop Rewarding Urgency and Build a Culture That Prioritizes Value Instead - INC

• A Sample Grant Proposal on “Future-Ready Youth: Innovation for Tomorrow” - Funds For NGOs

• Timart adopts AI and offline tools to support Nigeria’s small businesses - Business Day

• How NGOs Can Align Their Innovation With Donor Priorities - Funds For NGOs

• PAID Remote Internship Opportunity: Communications and Social Media Intern Position – International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN)

• OECD Internship Programme - Building Future Leaders in Global Policy

Thank you for your continued interest in our work. To partner with us on any of our reports or newsletter sponsorships, please reply to this email.

• Did you find our weekly insights helpful? Please help spread the word by forwarding them to a few friends or colleagues who could benefit.

• Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here.

• Contact us at [email protected] for partnerships or for an opportunity to have your brand associated with any of our newsletters. We can also jump on a call to understand your need(s).