Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) $5,000 Grant : What you need to Know

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Empowering Africa’s Entrepreneurs: The Tony Elumelu Foundation $5,000 Grant 

Africa is brimming with entrepreneurial talent, yet many promising business ideas struggle to reach their full potential. The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is changing this narrative, empowering thousands of entrepreneurs to drive economic and social change across the continent.

“African entrepreneurs are not just business owners, they are catalysts for the continent’s transformation.” Tony Elumelu

In this blog, we dive deep into the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, its impact, eligibility, application process, training, and how it is shaping Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

About the Tony Elumelu Foundation

Founded in 2010, TEF is an African private-sector-led philanthropy championing entrepreneurship. At the heart of its mission is Africapitalism, a philosophy that positions Africa’s private sector as a driver of long-term economic and social development.

TEF Entrepreneurship Programme

The flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is a 10-year, $100 million initiative to identify, train, mentor, and fund 10,000 African entrepreneurs.

Key Achievements:

  • 15,847 startups supported from 54 African countries
  • $80 million USD invested in seed capital
  • 6,300 women-owned businesses funded
  • 35,000 women empowered
  • 409,000 jobs created
  • 100,000+ entrepreneurs reached through webinars and masterclasses
  • 17 UN SDGs impacted
  • Largest entrepreneurial forum staged in Africa
  • TEFConnect: Africa’s largest online platform for entrepreneurs

Infographic idea: TEF by the numbers, Jobs created, women empowered, startups funded, countries reached

The Seven Pillars of TEF

The programme is built around seven pillars that ensure holistic support for entrepreneurs:

  1. Mentorship – Expert guidance from business leaders
  2. 12-week Business Management Training – Practical skills for scaling
  3. Knowledge Resources – Access via TEFConnect.net
  4. Meetups – Networking opportunities
  5. Annual TEF Entrepreneurship Forum – Gathering Africa’s brightest minds
  6. Seed Capital Funding – $5,000 Financial support to scale businesses
  7. Alumni Network – Lifelong access to a supportive community

TEF emphasizes training before funding. Entrepreneurs gain the skills needed to maximize the impact of their seed capital.

TEF-EU Partnership: Investing in Women Entrepreneurs

In 2021, TEF partnered with the European Union (EU) to empower 2,500 young African women entrepreneurs. The partnership provides:

  • €20 million in financial & technical support
  • Access to market linkages, supply chains, and venture capital
  • Support across all 54 African countries

This initiative demonstrates TEF’s commitment to inclusive growth and women-led businesses.

Who Can Apply?

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to Africans from all 54 countries.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Age: 18+
  • Business Stage: Startup or scalable idea (0–5 years old)
  • Business Type: Must be profit-oriented, original, and located in Africa
  • Exclusions: Research institutions, faith-based organizations, government contractors, and businesses that harm the environment or society
  • One Application: Only one business idea per applicant
  • Ineligible: TEF employees and their families

Pro tip: Focus on your most innovative and feasible business idea when applying.

How to Apply

Applications are free and open annually from January 1 via TEFConnect.net.

Key Points:

  • No registration fees; TEF does not work with third-party agents
  • Government-issued ID required
  • Business website not necessary
  • Pregnant/nursing mothers are eligible
  • Only one application per person per cycle

TEF $5,000 Grant Application Process

The TEF $5,000 Grant Application is structured into four key stages to evaluate applicants thoroughly:

  1. Business Information – Provide detailed information about your business or business idea.
  2. Business Industry – Specify your sector, target market, and the problem your business solves.
  3. Business Acumen Test – A 30-question, 20-minute assessment to evaluate your business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
  4. Declaration – Confirm the authenticity of your business and personal information.

Infographic idea: TEF Grant Application Steps – Visual flow from Business Info → Industry → Test → Declaration

Selection Process

The selection process is rigorous and multi-phased:

  1. Application Phase
  2. Training & Mentorship Phase
  3. Business Plan Submission Phase
  4. Pitching Phase
  5. Seed Capital Disbursement Phase

Entrepreneurs are notified throughout the process. A waiting list exists for selected applicants who do not claim their place.

Training Stage: The Start-up Enterprise Toolkit

TEF’s Business Management Training Programme is a 12-week, self-paced course delivered online via TEFConnect.

Training Includes:

  • Business plan development
  • Financial planning and management
  • Market analysis and strategy
  • Pitch preparation

Participants are categorized based on experience:

  • Preparatory Training: Skills need improvement
  • Start-up Training: Beginner entrepreneurs receive mentorship and pitch opportunities

Pull-quote idea: “TEF equips you with the skills and confidence to turn your idea into a thriving business.”

Seed Capital & Mentorship

Selected entrepreneurs receive:

  • Seed capital to scale their businesses
  • Mentorship from seasoned business leaders
  • Networking and market access
  • Lifelong alumni support

TEF ensures that funding is not just given, it is effectively utilized for sustainable business growth.

TEFConnect: Africa’s Entrepreneurial Hub

TEFConnect is the largest online network for African entrepreneurs, providing:

  • Training resources
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Networking platforms
  • Market linkages

Infographic idea: TEFConnect ecosystem – Training, Mentorship, Funding, Networking

Why TEF Matters

The Tony Elumelu Foundation is redefining entrepreneurship in Africa by:

  • Creating jobs
  • Empowering women
  • Supporting scalable businesses
  • Advocating for a better business environment
  • Building a continent-wide network of entrepreneurs

For African entrepreneurs, TEF is not just a programme, it’s a launchpad for growth, impact, and transformation.

APPLY NOW:

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