Kelly African Business Challenge 2025 for Early-Stage African Business Startups (Up to US$5000 Prize funding)

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Applications are open for Kelly African Business Challenge 2025. If you lead an early-stage business in Africa and want to refine your model, pitch to investors, and gain exposure, the African Business Challenge organized by Africa Business Club @ Kelley offers a platform to compete, learn and gain prize funding.

Hosted by the Africa Business Club at Kelley School of Business (Indiana University), the competition is designed to support African-based ventures with investment readiness and exposure. It provides entrepreneurs with access to business frameworks, feedback from investor-judges, and a chance at prize money. For African MSMEs, participating offers more than just a contest—it’s a learning experience that strengthens market thinking, investor communications and networking.

Kelly African Business Challenge Benefits

Gain one-on-one feedback from experienced judges and mentors
Up to US$5000 Prize funding ( first place US$2,500)
Clear business pitch format and development, helping you build investor-ready material
Visibility and network access through a global academic business club

Eligibility Criteria

Entrepreneur born in Africa with a startup based in Africa
Registered venture with minimum operational time (e.g., ≥ 1 year)
Business model demonstrates viability, impact potential and addressable market
Only one submission per team/venture

Guidelines

The business pitch is limited to 7 pages maximum (12-point font) of text, excluding the cover page, title page, and exhibits.
All eligibility criteria can be reviewed by ABC @Kelley on a case-by-case basis for exceptions.

Kelly African Business Challenge Business Pitch Format:

Purpose of the business pitch: After reading the business pitch, the reader should be able to understand the business idea. The business pitch will be evaluated based on three main factors: