Apply: Her Startup Cohort 2.0 Offers $5,000 Funding for Women Founders
African women entrepreneurs building technology-driven businesses can now apply for Her Startup Cohort 2.0.
This is a pan-African accelerator programme offering intensive business training, a monthly stipend, mentorship and an opportunity to secure up to US$5,000 in startup capital.
The initiative is designed to support women-led businesses with growth potential by equipping founders with the skills, networks and resources needed to strengthen their operations, expand their customer base and attract investment.
According to the programme’s official website, successful applicants will participate in an intensive accelerator delivered through the Founder Institute, followed by opportunities to pitch their businesses for investment.
About Her Startup Cohort 2.0
Her Startup focuses on supporting African women entrepreneurs who are already building technology-enabled businesses. The programme combines entrepreneurial training, financial support opportunities and mentorship to help founders develop sustainable and scalable companies.
Participants will undergo an intensive accelerator programme designed to improve their business models, strengthen their market strategies and prepare them for future investment opportunities.
Founders who successfully complete the training will receive a certificate and become eligible to pitch their business models to the programme’s Investment Committee for startup financing.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Her Startup Cohort 2.0, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a female founder, co-founder or chief executive officer of the business.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Operate a technology-enabled business based in an African country.
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP) or an existing product already available in the market.
- Generate at least US$500 in monthly revenue, sustained for a minimum of six months.
- Demonstrate a clear value proposition and potential for business growth.
The programme is open to eligible entrepreneurs across Africa, including Nigeria. Businesses at the idea stage without an existing product or the required revenue history may not meet the eligibility criteria.
Benefits of the Programme
Startup capital of up to US$5,000: Founders who complete the accelerator successfully will have the opportunity to pitch for startup financing. Funding is not automatic, as applicants must meet the programme requirements and pass the investment assessment process.
Intensive business training: Selected entrepreneurs will participate in a structured accelerator programme delivered through the Founder Institute to strengthen their business development, strategy and investment readiness.
Monthly stipend: Participants will receive an allowance during the training period to support their participation in the programme.
Mentorship and business guidance: Eligible founders will benefit from mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals who can provide guidance on business growth and operational challenges.
Networking and growth opportunities: The programme is designed to connect participants with relevant business networks and provide additional support to help them scale their companies.
The startup financing is structured as convertible revenue-based financing, rather than a guaranteed, unconditional cash grant. Participation in the accelerator does not automatically guarantee funding.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible women entrepreneurs can submit their applications through the official Her Startup website.
Applicants should ensure that their businesses satisfy the age, technology, product and revenue requirements before applying.
Application deadline: October 26, 2026.
Application portal: https://her-startup.com/
There is no application fee listed on the official programme website.
Women founders across Africa who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and take advantage of the training, mentorship and potential investment opportunities available through Her Startup Cohort 2.0.
