Global Entrepreneurship Festival Entrepreneurs Investment Program 2026

The Global Entrepreneurship Festival Entrepreneurs Investment Program (EIP) 2026 is an investment and business development opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups building innovative solutions. The programme is designed to identify promising businesses, provide practical support, connect founders with investors and mentors, and help startups prepare for growth beyond their local markets.

The Entrepreneurs Investment Program is an official programme of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF). It brings together entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, partners and other members of the global entrepreneurship ecosystem. The 2026 programme is intended for founders at different stages of development, including those with an innovative idea, a prototype or an operating business that is already generating sales.

Selected participants can benefit from training, startup clinic sessions, mentorship and incubation, global exposure and opportunities to pitch to investors. The programme also offers access to seed investment of up to US$35,000. According to the official EIP terms, the investment is structured as 50 percent cash funding and 50 percent non cash business support, which may include coaching, mentorship, legal and regulatory support, financial advisory, technology support, branding, marketing, investor introductions and business development assistance.

About the Entrepreneurs Investment Program

The Entrepreneurs Investment Program is designed to support high potential startups through a combination of business development, investment readiness, mentorship and investor access. The programme is suitable for entrepreneurs who are launching a new venture, developing a prototype, scaling an existing business or preparing to expand into new markets.

The programme provides a pathway for founders to strengthen their businesses while gaining exposure to investors, partners and other participants in the global entrepreneurship ecosystem. Its activities include training, startup clinics and investor pitching as well as continued mentorship and incubation support.

The official application portal is open to founders from different countries and asks applicants to provide information about themselves, their country of operation, their startup, business sector and co founder status. Applicants must also confirm their availability to attend the programme in Cairo.

Opportunity Benefits

• Training and practical business development support

• Startup clinic sessions

• Investor pitch opportunities

• Global exposure and visibility

• Mentorship and incubation

• Access to up to US$35,000 in total seed investment

• Non cash business support including coaching, advisory and business development assistance

• Opportunities to connect with investors and potential partners

• Access to entrepreneurship ecosystem networks

• Potential introductions to investors and strategic partners

Programme Areas

The Entrepreneurs Investment Program is open to innovative businesses across different sectors. The application form asks applicants to identify their business sector or industry.

The programme is particularly relevant to founders who are:

• Developing an innovative idea

• Building a prototype

• Already selling products or services

• Scaling an existing business

• Preparing to enter new markets

• Seeking investment to reach the next stage of growth

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to:

• Anyone with an innovative business idea

• Startups at the idea stage

• Startups with a prototype

• Businesses that are already selling products or services

• Founders seeking to grow beyond their home market

• Businesses that need investment to reach their next stage of development

Required Application Information

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Full name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Country of operation

• Social media handle and link

• Date of birth

• Idea, business or startup name

• Co founder information

• Website or landing page, if available

• Business sector or industry

• Confirmation of availability in Cairo from November 6 to November 8, 2026

Investment Structure

The advertised investment of up to US$35,000 should not be understood as an unrestricted cash grant. The official EIP terms state that the investment consists of 50 percent cash funding and 50 percent non cash business support.

The non cash component may include:

• Business coaching

• Mentorship

• Legal and regulatory support

• Accounting and financial advisory

• IT and digital solutions

• Branding and brand development

• Marketing and publicity

• Investor and partner introductions

• Business development support

• Access to office infrastructure and shared workspaces

• Training and networking

• Strategic advisory services

The official terms also state that the cash investment may be distributed in tranches, with disbursement dependent on agreed milestones and programme requirements.

How to Apply

1. Review the Entrepreneurs Investment Program 2026 eligibility requirements and official terms.
2. Prepare your founder and business information, including your startup name, sector, country of operation and website or landing page where applicable.
3. Complete the official EIP 2026 online application form.
4. Provide accurate information about your business and current stage of development.
5. Confirm your ability to be in Cairo from November 6 to November 8, 2026 if selected.
6. Carefully review the investment, participation, intellectual property and media terms before accepting them.
7. Submit your application before the October 6, 2026 deadline.