Applications are open for the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) Entrepreneurs Investment Program (EIP) 2026, offering selected entrepreneurs access to up to $35,000 in total seed investment, alongside mentorship, business training, investor pitching and global exposure.
The programme is designed for entrepreneurs and startups looking to develop their businesses, prepare for investment and connect with investors, partners and other members of the global entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Applications close on October 6, 2026.
What Is the EIP 2026?
The Entrepreneurs Investment Program is one of the programmes taking place as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 in Cairo, Egypt.
The programme gives selected businesses access to training, startup clinics, mentorship, investor pitching and incubation, with an opportunity to receive seed investment.
GEF 2026 will take place from November 6 to 8, 2026, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Cairo.
What Selected Entrepreneurs Can Receive
Participants selected for the EIP can access:
Up to $35,000 in total seed investment
Business and enterprise training
Startup clinic sessions
Mentorship and incubation
Investor pitching opportunities
Global exposure
Connections with investors and potential partners
The EIP application terms state that investment awarded under the programme will be structured as 50% cash funding and 50% non-cash business support. The non-cash component may include business coaching, mentorship, legal and regulatory support, accounting and financial advisory, digital solutions, branding, marketing, investor introductions and business development support.
Who Can Apply?
The current EIP application is aimed at entrepreneurs and startups with innovative business ideas or ventures.
The programme information states that applications are open to:
Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas
Startups at different stages of development
Founders building prototypes or businesses already operating in the market
Businesses seeking to grow beyond their current market
Entrepreneurs looking for investment to reach their next stage of growth
Applicants must be at least 21 years old. The application form also asks applicants to provide information about their business or startup, sector, country of operation, website or landing page where available, and whether they have a co-founder.
Important Investment Terms
Applicants should understand that the $35,000 is not presented as a guaranteed cash grant.
According to the EIP terms, investment may be disbursed in tranches based on agreed milestones and key performance indicators. The terms also state that the investment can include cash and non-cash support.
The programme may also take an equity interest of typically 1% to 5% in participating businesses. The final percentage is to be agreed and documented in a separate investment agreement before disbursement.
What Applicants Need
The online application asks founders to provide details including:
Full name
Email and phone number
Country of operation
Social media handle and link
Business or startup name
Business sector
Co-founder information
Website or landing page, where available
Confirmation of availability to attend GEF in Cairo from November 6–8, 2026
Applicants should also carefully review the EIP terms and conditions before submitting the form.
Attendance in Cairo
Applicants should note that the application form specifically asks them to confirm whether they will be in Cairo from November 6–8, 2026.
The EIP terms also state that full participation in required programme activities and physical presence at the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in November are part of programme completion requirements.
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs can complete the EIP 2026 online application through the official Global Entrepreneurship Festival website.
Application deadline: October 6, 2026.
Key Details
Programme: GEF Entrepreneurs Investment Program (EIP) 2026
Organiser: Global Entrepreneurship Festival
Investment: Up to $35,000 in total seed investment
Support: Training, startup clinics, mentorship, incubation and investor pitching
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs and startups with innovative ideas or businesses
Minimum age: 21
Event location: Cairo, Egypt
GEF dates: November 6–8, 2026
Application deadline: October 6, 2026
Application fee: No application fee stated