1,000 Young Entrepreneurs Start-Up Fund Stage 1 Kenya 2026

Aiducation International's Stage 1 competition supports young people in Kenya who want to turn an early business idea into a viable venture. There is no prescribed sector or theme, so applicants may propose technology, agriculture, education, health, environmental, creative, service or other innovative solutions that respond to a genuine problem or market opportunity. Selected entrepreneurs can receive financial support of up to US$1,000, mentorship from experienced professionals and access to the programme's entrepreneurial network. The support is intended to help founders develop a minimum viable product, test their assumptions in the market and strengthen practical entrepreneurial skills. The organiser describes a four-stage process: an eight-week application window, two weeks of pre-selection, a half-day jury stage and approximately two weeks for funds to be received. Applications close on 30 November 2026. No closing time or timezone is stated on the official page. Applicants must submit a valid identification card or passport, a two-minute video explaining their story, passion, vision and business, and a business plan of no more than two pages. The application form also requests an entrepreneurship programme or workshop certificate. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applications are submitted through the official online form.

Applicants must be resident in Kenya, be younger than 30 at the time of application and speak English fluently. They must not work for Aiducation International or any affiliate of its programme partners. Candidates should show a strong interest in entrepreneurship, present a clearly defined and innovative idea, explain the problem and potential market opportunity, demonstrate a basic understanding of the intended audience or market, and be willing to receive feedback and adapt the concept. Individuals and teams may apply. Stage 1 is designed for idea-based start-ups. The organiser directs applicants who already have a prototype or approximately five to ten customers to review its Stage 2 programme instead.