Opportunities
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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Up to $50,000 (1st place at Global Finals); total prize pool ~$100,000 cash
The premier global competition for university and college students who own and operate a business while attending school. Run by Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), GSEA operates in 39+ countries and awards over $100,000 in cash prizes at the annual Global Finals. Students compete through local, national, and regional rounds before reaching the Global Finals.
Grand Prize
US$50,000 cash (1st place at Global Finals)
2nd Place Prize
US$25,000 cash
3rd Place Prize
US$15,000 cash
Travel Coverage
No participation costs including travel to regional and global competitions
Mentorship
Feedback and mentorship from EO member entrepreneurs and business leaders
Global Network
Access to EO's network of 18,000+ business owners across 200+ chapters
Media Exposure
Featured in 'Start it Up' docuseries; local and national media coverage
Total Value
Total prize package for all competitors at Global Finals valued at nearly $500,000
Student Entrepreneurship
Any sector — the competition evaluates the entrepreneur as much as the business. Focus is on students who balance academics with running a real business.
Student founders who demonstrate exceptional tenacity, the ability to overcome obstacles, and a drive to create meaningful impact beyond financial gain. GSEA evaluates the entrepreneur as much as the business — judges look for the ability to balance academics with a real, operating company.
Mentorship from EO members and seasoned entrepreneurs, access to EO's global peer-to-peer network, participation in the 'Start it Up' docuseries, media visibility, connections to investors and business leaders at Global Finals.
GSEA judges focus heavily on the entrepreneur's personal story and tenacity, not just business metrics. Prepare a compelling narrative about how you balance school and business. The pitch matters as much as the numbers — storytelling ability is a key differentiator. Engage with your local EO chapter early for mentorship before competing.
1998
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