Applications are open for Her Startup Cohort 2.0, a 12-week accelerator for African women founders running technology-enabled businesses. The programme combines business training, a stipend during training, mentorship and the chance to pitch for up to US$5,000 in startup capital.
The opportunity is aimed at companies already operating, rather than founders with an idea alone. Eligible applicants must be women founders, co-founders or CEOs aged 18–35, lead a company based in an African country and have a minimum viable product or a product on the market.
Her Startup Cohort Sets Business and Revenue Requirements
Applicants must also show at least US$500 in monthly revenue sustained for a minimum of six months. The source listing says businesses should have a clear value proposition and growth potential. Application materials may be submitted in English or French.
The programme targets technology-enabled companies in areas that include healthcare, financial services, education, agriculture and digital services. The listing says applicants should already have a product in the market and evidence of sustained revenue, making the accelerator a fit for operating ventures rather than idea-stage projects.
Training Leads to a Pitch Opportunity
Selected founders will take part in structured training delivered through the Founder Institute accelerator. The source says the training is designed to strengthen business models, customer understanding, growth strategies and investment readiness.
Her Startup Cohort participants receive a stipend during the training period, paid in stages. The programme does not publish a fixed stipend amount on its main website, according to the listing, so applicants are not given a figure to use when planning.
Founders who complete the training become eligible to pitch their business models to the programme’s Investment Committee for startup capital of up to US$5,000. The funding is described as convertible revenue-based financing, not an unconditional cash grant. Completing the accelerator creates eligibility to pitch, but does not guarantee an award.
The listed support also includes six months of mentorship for funded founders, delivered by experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Participants may also gain access to networks, investor-readiness support, co-working space and healthcare coverage.
Applications Close October 26, 2026
The application listing gives October 26, 2026, as the deadline. It says applicants should be ready to explain what their company does, the problem it solves, its customers and its growth potential. The source also says no application fee is listed on the official website.
Her Startup places limits on the cohort’s sector and regional mix: no more than 20% of selected companies can be in fintech, while at least 15% are targeted to come from Francophone Africa. Those figures describe the programme’s selection goals, rather than individual guarantees.
Founders weighing the opportunity can compare it with other support for women-led businesses, including a Canadian funding call and Uganda’s GROW grants. For technology ventures, Her Forward has also covered privacy advice for women tech entrepreneurs.
Applicants should confirm they meet the age, location, product and revenue criteria, then submit before October 26, 2026, according to the current listing. The application accepts English and French, and eligible founders can apply from African countries.
