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BOI–MTN Yellopreneur 2026 for Women Entrepreneurs (₦1 Billion Funding Opportunity)

 


Applications are now open for the BOI–MTN Yellopreneur 2026 Programme, a major initiative designed to support female entrepreneurs across Nigeria with funding, training, and business development support.

Backed by a ₦1 billion matching fund, this program is a collaboration between the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the MTN Foundation, aimed at helping women scale their businesses and improve access to finance.

What is the MTN Yellopreneur Programme?

The Yellopreneur Initiative (Phase 3.0) is a women-focused empowerment program that combines entrepreneurial training, access to capital, and mentorship to help businesses grow sustainably.

Launched to address the funding and skills gap faced by women in business, the program has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most impactful support systems for female-led enterprises.

Key Benefits of the Programme

Participants selected for the 2026 cohort will gain access to:

  • Business training and capacity development
  • Loans of up to ₦3 million – ₦5 million for business expansion
  • Low-interest financing with flexible repayment terms
  • Grant incentives (a portion of the loan may convert to a grant after repayment)
  • Mentorship and advisory support from industry experts
  • Networking opportunities and market access

This combination ensures entrepreneurs are not only funded but also equipped to build long-term, scalable businesses.

Programme Structure

The Yellopreneur programme follows a step-by-step process designed to prepare participants for growth:

  1. Training Phase – Intensive entrepreneurial and business skills training
  2. Business Plan Development – Creation of a strong, bankable proposal
  3. Pitch Stage – Participants present their ideas to evaluators
  4. Funding Stage – Top-performing entrepreneurs receive financial support

Approximately 1,000 women are trained, with the most promising businesses selected for funding.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the BOI–MTN Yellopreneur 2026 Programme, applicants must:

  • Be a female entrepreneur residing in Nigeria
  • Own or manage a business that has been operational for at least 2 years
  • Operate in eligible sectors such as:
    • Agriculture and agribusiness
    • Manufacturing and processing
    • ICT and digital services
    • Waste management or circular economy
  • Demonstrate readiness to scale and grow the business

Businesses that source raw materials locally may receive added consideration.

How to Apply

Applying for the Yellopreneur 2026 programme is simple:

  1. Visit the official MTN Foundation or BOI application portal
  2. Register with accurate personal and business details
  3. Complete and submit the online application form
  4. Wait for shortlisting and further instructions

The process is completely free, and applicants are encouraged to submit early.

Application Deadline

📅 April 20, 2026

Late applications are typically not accepted, so early submission is advised.

Why This Programme Matters

Access to funding remains one of the biggest challenges for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The Yellopreneur initiative addresses this by combining capital, training, and mentorship in one program.

By supporting women-led businesses, the initiative contributes to:

  • Job creation
  • Economic growth
  • Financial inclusion
  • Sustainable enterprise development

The ₦1 billion matching fund model also ensures that more women can access the resources needed to scale their businesses effectively.

Apply here

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