The Bet9ja Foundation has empowered entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship and business development support to help them build sustainable businesses and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
 
Executive Director of the Foundation, Ada Cuomo, who spoke during the ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2.0 Business Pitch Night held at the weekend in Lagos, said the initiative was created to support entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and provide them with the resources needed to scale their businesses.
 
Cuomo said the Foundation believes many successful businesses begin with people who identify problems and develop practical solutions, adding that the programme was designed to help entrepreneurs transform such ideas into sustainable enterprises.
 
She noted that the 10 finalists participated in an intensive 10-week accelerator programme, where they received business training, mentorship and investor-readiness support ahead of the pitch competition.
 
Cuomo added that beneficiaries from the first edition had grown their businesses, created jobs, attracted partnerships and expanded their operations, noting that the Foundation remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs beyond the competition.

She further noted that this year’s finalists are developing solutions across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, financial technology, education, artificial intelligence and sports technology, reflecting the growing innovation ecosystem in the country.
 
Also, Marketing Manager, Bet9ja Foundation, Omotola Oronti, said the second edition of the programme attracted over 900 applications, from which 10 entrepreneurs were selected after a rigorous screening process to pitch their business ideas.

She disclosed that the Foundation monitors beneficiaries after disbursing funds to ensure the grants are effectively utilised and support business growth.
 
Senior Marketing Manager, Bet9ja, Jennifer Olatunji, said supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses would contribute to employment generation, adding that the Foundation would continue to expand its interventions to impact more Nigerians.
 
She further said the Foundation has implemented various initiatives in education, skills development and community development across the country as part of its commitment to social impact.