Building on $125K Legacy, Mary Ojulari Foundation Opens Applications for Next Generation of Nigerian Entrepreneurs
The Mary Ojulari Foundation has opened applications for its highly anticipated Vanguard Fellowship Cohort 2, an entrepreneurial program dedicated to identifying, supporting, and accelerating innovative changemakers across Nigeria.
Building on the success of its inaugural cohort, which empowered 25 entrepreneurs with a total of $125,000 in funding to scale their businesses, the Foundation invites a new wave of visionary entrepreneurs to join the Vanguard community—a platform that fosters opportunity, mentorship, and tangible impact.
The second cohort aims to nurture purpose-driven entrepreneurs committed to developing sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s pressing community and economic challenges. Through a blend of capacity-building workshops, mentorship, and seed funding, the program equips participants to transform their ideas into thriving enterprises.
Applications are now open from September 24 to October 26, 2025, with shortlisted candidates announced on October 30. Interviews will be held on November 1–2, 2025.
Selected applicants will participate in the Ignite Bootcamp, a two-week intensive training from November 10–21, 2025. This will culminate in Pitch Day on November 20–21, where fellows will present their business concepts to a panel of investors and industry leaders, competing for seed funding and ongoing mentorship opportunities.
Mrs. Mary Ojulari, Founder of the Mary Ojulari Foundation, emphasized the program’s mission to turn innovative ideas into impactful solutions.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between innovation and access—helping talented entrepreneurs turn potential into reality through capital, mentorship, and community support,” she said. “The Vanguard Fellowship is about nurturing those who lead with purpose, create sustainable value, and inspire others to rise.”
She added that true empowerment generates a ripple effect, transforming individuals and strengthening their communities.
“When one person is uplifted, the benefits extend outward—lifting others along the way,” Mrs. Ojulari stated.
The fellowship is open to aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs across Nigeria who are working on innovative, sustainable solutions to local challenges. Applicants can submit either a five-minute video or a 750-word written statement outlining their story, business idea, and envisioned impact.
Submissions should be sent to vanguardfellowship@maryojularifoundation.org. Additional details, including the application toolkit and updates, are available on the Foundation’s official social media channels.