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Open Accelerator / Incubator

Venture Meda - Mastercard Foundation Job Creation Programme

Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MiNT) and Iceaddis Consultancy Plc · Private Foundation
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Image: Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MiNT) and Iceaddis Consultancy Plc · source

Quick answer

Is it real?
Yes. This is a real programme run by Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MiNT) and Iceaddis Consultancy Plc. GrantPilot checked its official page on 1 November 2026.
Status
Open (no fixed deadline, or applications accepted on a rolling basis).
Who can apply
Young entrepreneurs aged 18–35 (see the full list below)
How to apply
Directly to Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MiNT) and Iceaddis Consultancy Plc on their official page (mastercardfdn.org). Applying is free: never pay anyone to apply or to "release" funds.

GrantPilot does not give out this funding; Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MiNT) and Iceaddis Consultancy Plc does. We help you find it, check it is real and get ready to apply.

About this opportunity

Venture Meda supports young tech entrepreneurs in Ethiopia with seed funding, business training, and market connections to scale digital platform businesses. You must be aged 18–35 and developing a digital business; applications are open to individuals and early teams.

Multi-year incubation and acceleration programme supporting young entrepreneurs developing digital platform businesses in Ethiopia. Provides seed funding, business development services, capacity building, and market linkages to promising digital startups and MSMEs.

Who can apply

  • Young entrepreneurs aged 18–35
  • Individuals developing digital platform businesses
  • Early-stage teams with a digital platform focus
  • Applicants from underserved regions in Ethiopia (priority given)
  • Tech startups with demonstrated growth potential

Not sure you qualify? Check in 60 seconds

Full eligibility wording from the listing

Young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 developing digital platform businesses. Focus on tech startups with high growth potential. Priority for youth from underserved regions. Applications open to individuals and early-stage teams.

Documents you will need

  • Business plan or pitch deck describing your digital platform
  • Proof of age and identity
  • CV or background information on founders and team members
  • Details of your target market and initial traction (if any)
  • Information on your location in Ethiopia
  • Bank account details for fund transfers

Missing a business plan or CV? Write one for this funder · Build your CV

How to apply, step by step

  1. Confirm you meet the age and business-stage requirements (18–35, developing a digital platform business)
  2. Prepare your business plan, team information, and proof of identity
  3. Visit the official Venture Meda or Mastercard Foundation website to locate the application portal
  4. Complete the online application form with your business details, market opportunity, and team composition
  5. Submit your application before the deadline (typically applications are rolling; check the portal for any cut-off dates)
  6. Wait for the programme team to review your application and contact you with next steps
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

Applications are reviewed by the Venture Meda team—a collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, and Iceaddis Consultancy Plc—who assess factors such as your age, location, team capability, and the growth potential of your digital platform idea. The programme has supported 598 MSMEs and 41 startups to date. Shortlisted applicants typically attend an interview or pitch session before being offered a place in the incubation or acceleration track, which includes seed funding, training, and business mentorship.

What reviewers look for

  • Show a real market problem your digital platform solves; vague ideas do not advance
  • If you are from an underserved region of Ethiopia, mention this clearly—it is a stated priority
  • Demonstrate that your founding team has complementary skills; solo founders can apply, but founders with co-founders often appear stronger
  • Be specific about how you will use seed funding—general statements about 'scaling' are less persuasive than concrete milestones
  • Evidence of early user interest or pilot results (even 50 sign-ups or beta feedback) significantly strengthens your application

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a registered company to apply?

The listing states that applications are open to individuals and early-stage teams, so formal registration is not stated as a requirement. However, contact the programme to confirm whether you will need to register before receiving seed funding.

How much seed funding is available?

The amount of seed funding is not stated in the available programme materials. Contact Venture Meda directly to ask about typical funding sizes.

What if I am over 35 or under 18?

The programme targets entrepreneurs aged 18–35. If you fall outside this range, you are not eligible.

Does the programme work with non-tech businesses?

Venture Meda focuses specifically on digital platform businesses in the technology and digital sectors. Traditional or non-digital businesses are unlikely to be a fit.

Is there a deadline, or can I apply anytime?

The programme operates on a rolling basis, meaning applications are accepted continuously. Check the official portal for any seasonal cut-off dates or batch review windows.

Guide written from the official programme page on 31 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

How GrantPilot can help you apply

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