The Coalition for Positive Impact (CPI), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has officially opened applications for the 2026 Igniting Dreams Fellowship, which supports young entrepreneurs in Northern Ghana in growing early-stage businesses into scalable, revenue-generating ventures.
Speaking on the launch, CPI Executive Director [Name] said, “Over the past seven years, the Igniting Dreams Fellowship has helped over 50 young founders turn ideas into businesses that create jobs and contribute to inclusive economic growth. We are excited to extend this opportunity to more talented entrepreneurs across Northern Ghana.”
The fellowship targets young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 35 from the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Savannah, and North East regions. Eligible businesses span various sectors, including agriculture, technology, health care, education, fashion, green energy, creative industries, and social enterprises. Women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must demonstrate early signs of market demand and a commitment to growing their businesses sustainably. Key requirements include business registration documents, a CV, two referees, a completed application form, and a two-minute video introducing the business.
Fellows will receive seed funding of up to GHC 100,000, structured business training, one-on-one and group mentorship, and access to the Niibala Alliance—a network of peers, mentors, funders, and partners. According to CPI, the fellowship aims not only to support business growth but also to equip entrepreneurs with skills to scale sustainably.
The program seeks to bridge the so-called “pioneer gap,” a challenge many young entrepreneurs face due to limited access to risk-tolerant capital and business development support. CPI noted that the Igniting Dreams Fellowship combines funding with intensive business development services to de-risk ventures and help them become investment-ready.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are open from January 1 to February 28 and can be submitted online via the official CPI website. Participation is free of charge, and applicants are encouraged to apply early and provide accurate information.
Since its inception, CPI has trained and supported over 5,000 young people and funded 50 entrepreneurs, creating more than 400 jobs across Northern Ghana. Through programs like Igniting Dreams, the organisation continues to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in underserved regions and promote inclusive local economic growth.
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