Mary Ojulari Foundation scales support for Nigeria’s next wave of entrepreneurs
After investing $125,000 in 25 entrepreneurs through its inaugural Vanguard Fellowship, the Mary Ojulari Foundation has opened applications for Cohort 2, extending its push to strengthen entrepreneurship and inclusive growth across Nigeria.
The fellowship, one of the Foundation’s flagship empowerment programs, focuses on turning early-stage ideas into scalable ventures by combining mentorship, business development training, and catalytic funding. It also seeks to close Nigeria’s persistent funding and skills gap for small and medium enterprises, a segment that drives over 40 percent of the country’s GDP but faces limited access to structured support.
Applications for the 2025/2026 cycle opened on September 24 and closes on October 26, the Foundation said. Shortlisted applicants will be announced on October 30, followed by interviews on November 1–2.
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Those selected will join the Ignite Bootcamp, a two-week immersion running from November 10–21, culminating in a Pitch Day where fellows will present to investors and industry leaders for a chance at seed funding and continued mentorship.
Speaking on the new cohort, Mary Ojulari, founder of the Foundation, said the program was created to bridge the gap between innovation and opportunity in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“There are so many ideas that fade, not because they lack potential, but because they lack access to capital, mentorship, and the right mindset,” Ojulari said. “The Vanguard Fellowship exists to nurture those ideas and the exceptional individuals behind them.”
The Foundation said applications are open to aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs developing sustainable, scalable solutions to community or economic challenges. Each applicant can submit a five-minute video or a 750-word written pitch detailing their story, business model, and vision for impact.
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“Our goal is to support founders who are intentional, disciplined, and ready to build solutions that make lives better. The impact must circulate; when one is lifted, others should rise too.”
The Vanguard Fellowship fills a crucial gap in Nigeria’s innovation pipeline, offering entrepreneurs not only funding but the practical guidance and investor access needed to survive beyond the startup phase.
Founded to advance entrepreneurship, innovation, and social transformation across Africa, the Mary Ojulari Foundation runs initiatives such as the Vanguard Fellowship and Ignite Bootcamp to empower young founders with the tools and networks required for long-term growth and measurable community impact.
