Grants

Funding opportunities
worth knowing about.

Active grants, funding programmes, and support initiatives curated by VPA. Updated as new opportunities emerge.

← Back to main site

5 listings currently active

Open
African Development Bank

AFAWA — Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa

🗓 Rolling💰 Varies by country
+

Overview

Guarantees and technical assistance for women-led SMEs focused on access to finance and long-term business capacity.

Who can apply

Women-led SMEs across Africa. Applications are made through participating financial institutions in each country.

How to apply

Contact your local bank or DFI to enquire about AFAWA-affiliated lending products. Direct applications are not accepted — access is through partner institutions.

Go to funder website →
New
Google for Startups

Google for Startups Africa Accelerator

🗓 Check current cohort💰 Equity-free
+

Overview

Equity-free support including Google mentorship, cloud credits, and network access for tech startups across sub-Saharan Africa.

Who can apply

Seed to Series A tech startups based in sub-Saharan Africa with a working product and some traction.

How to apply

Applications open periodically. Visit the Google for Startups portal to check for open cohorts and submit your startup profile.

Go to funder website →
Open
Access Bank

W Initiative — Women Business Grants

🗓 Rolling💰 Grant + financing package
+

Overview

Financial products, training, and grants for women entrepreneurs running viable SMEs in Nigeria.

Who can apply

Women-owned or women-led small and medium businesses registered in Nigeria.

How to apply

Visit any Access Bank branch or apply through the W Initiative portal on the Access Bank website. You will need business registration documents, 6 months bank statements, and a brief business profile.

Go to funder website →
Open
USAID West Africa

West Africa Trade & Investment Hub — SME Grants

🗓 Check current cycle💰 Up to $250,000
+

Overview

Grants and technical assistance for SMEs seeking to increase exports and access regional and global markets.

Who can apply

SMEs in West Africa in agribusiness, garments/textiles, and ICT with export potential.

How to apply

Monitor the WATrade Hub website for open calls. Applications require a business registration, financial statements, and a clear export market plan.

Go to funder website →
Open
Bank of Industry Nigeria

BOI — SME Loan & Grant Schemes

🗓 Rolling💰 ₦500K – ₦500M
+

Overview

Low-interest loans and targeted support for manufacturers, exporters, and innovative SMEs at growth stage.

Who can apply

Nigerian-registered businesses in manufacturing, processing, agribusiness, and services with evidence of viability.

How to apply

Apply directly through the BOI website or visit a BOI office. Required documents include CAC registration, audited accounts, business plan, and collateral documentation.

Go to funder website →
Important: Grant listings are curated by the VPA team for informational purposes. Always verify current deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application requirements directly with the funder before applying.