At a time when many Nigerian startups are finding it difficult to transition from early traction to long-term sustainability, Crosspoint Innovate Empowerment Initiative has opened applications for the INNOVATE 2026 Pitch and Grant Program, positioning itself as a critical support system for founders navigating this challenging phase.
Now in its third year, the program is offering a $5,000 grant to high-potential entrepreneurs, alongside mentorship, investor access, and national visibility through one of Nigeria’s steadily growing platforms for emerging businesses. But beyond the funding, the initiative is placing clear emphasis on what many small businesses in Africa currently lack, the structure and support needed to scale sustainably.
The 2026 edition is built around the theme “The Next Growth Stage: Positioning African Businesses for Sustainable Growth and Profitability,” reflecting a shift in focus from simply launching startups to building resilient, scalable ventures that can survive market pressures and deliver consistent value.
For many MSMEs, this shift is timely. Across Nigeria and the wider African ecosystem, founders are increasingly confronted with rising operational costs, limited access to finance, and the complexities of scaling beyond initial markets. CPI’s approach acknowledges that the real challenge is not starting a business, but sustaining and growing it in a competitive environment.
Over the past few years, the initiative has engaged more than 2,000 entrepreneurs nationwide and continues to support a growing network of over 200 founders through structured programs focused on capacity building, market access, and business development. This growing community reflects the demand for platforms that go beyond surface-level support and provide practical pathways to growth.
The impact of the program is already visible. At the 2025 edition, the winning founder developed a solution that converts plastic waste into mosquito-repellent paint, a business model that tackles both environmental and public health challenges while demonstrating commercial viability. This kind of innovation highlights the type of solutions CPI is looking to amplify, ventures that address real problems while maintaining strong potential for scale.
According to the convener, many startups do not fail because their ideas are weak but because they lack the right support when growth becomes more complex. The INNOVATE program is designed to fill that gap, offering founders access to the kind of networks and insights that are often difficult to reach.
Shortlisted applicants will pitch live at the INNOVATE 2026 Conference, presenting their businesses to a panel of investors, operators, and ecosystem leaders. For many small business owners, this exposure can be just as valuable as the grant itself, opening doors to partnerships, funding opportunities, and strategic guidance.
Applications are now open to entrepreneurs and small business owners across Nigeria, with selection based on innovation, scalability, market potential, and early traction. For MSMEs looking to move beyond survival into sustainable growth, initiatives like this are becoming increasingly important in shaping the next phase of Africa’s business landscape.
Apply here: www.cpinnovate.org