Deadline: April 10, 2026
Applications are open for the FINCA Ventures Prize Competition 2026. The FINCA Ventures Prize Competition supports rising African entrepreneurs with bold visions, disruptive business models, or new products or technologies that can create meaningful impact for poor and low-income people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Hosted by FINCA Ventures annually since 2024, the Prize Competition is a “shark tank” style event where entrepreneurs compete for the opportunity to be awarded grant funding of up to $100,000 to further develop their social enterprises. This event brings together early-stage companies and visionary leaders, donors and investors who are passionate about entrepreneurship.
Prizes
- In each category, finalists will receive grant awards of up to $100,000 (depending on 1st, 2nd and 3rd place).
Eligibility
Companies must:
- Have at least one African founder
- Be a for-profit organization
- Be post-revenue (generating revenue)
- Be operational for no more than five years
- Be operational in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Address issues in Fintech for Financial Inclusion or Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
To win a grant award, participants must be willing to travel to San Francisco (with costs covered by FINCA) to present in front of a panel of judges and attend the awards ceremony and reception.
Judging Criteria
The entries will be judged according to the following criteria:
- Strength of Entrepreneur & Team
- Innovativeness of Solution
- Social & Environmental Impact
- Market Traction and Financial Sustainability
- Strategy for Growth
Application
For more information, visit FINCA Ventures Prize Competition.
