TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton 2026: Apply for Up to ₦10m Funding

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Category: Grants

Published on Sunday, 25 October 2026 07:03

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Nigerian entrepreneurs looking for funding to expand their businesses can explore the TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton 1.0, a business funding initiative by The Business Hub (TBH) in partnership with Sterling Bank.

 

The programme is designed to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with a combination of grant funding, access to business loans and other resources to help them grow. Selected businesses may access a combined funding package of up to ₦10 million, subject to the programme's selection process and conditions.

 

Beyond financial support, the initiative offers business mentorship, digital tools, market access and banking support to help entrepreneurs strengthen their operations.

 

Business owners interested in expanding their businesses, purchasing equipment, increasing stock or improving working capital can visit the official portal to review the requirements and submit an application.

 

TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton 2026: Programme Details

Programme information	Details
Programme name	TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton 1.0
Year	2026
Organiser	The Business Hub (TBH)
Partner	Sterling Bank
Eligible applicants	Nigerian MSMEs
Maximum advertised funding	Up to ₦10 million in combined grant and loan support
Type of support	Grant funding, loans and business development support
Programme duration	12 months
Application fee	Free
Application opening date	Not separately specified
Application closing date	Not announced on the official page reviewed
Application method	Online
Official application portal	https://pitchathon.thebusinesshub.ng/#apply

 

Important: The ₦10 million is a combined funding opportunity, not a guaranteed cash grant for every applicant. Some of the funding may be repayable as a loan.

 

What Is the TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton Programme?

The TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton is a business funding and development initiative created by The Business Hub in partnership with Sterling Bank.

 

The programme aims to identify promising businesses that need financial resources and professional support to grow. Instead of focusing on funding alone, it combines access to capital with business development services intended to help participating enterprises become more sustainable.

 

According to the official programme website, the funding package may combine non-repayable grant support with structured loan financing. Shortlisted entrepreneurs are expected to present their businesses to a panel of industry experts and financial partners before final funding decisions are made.

 

The programme is therefore worth exploring for entrepreneurs who already operate a business and can demonstrate their products or services, revenue activity and plans for expansion.

 

Benefits of the TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton 2026

Eligible businesses selected through the programme may benefit from the following opportunities.

 

1. Business Funding of Up to ₦10 Million

The programme advertises a combined grant and loan package of up to ₦10 million to support eligible business growth plans.

 

Depending on the final funding structure, this support could help a business purchase additional stock, acquire equipment, increase production capacity or finance expansion.

 

Applicants should confirm the grant and loan portions, repayment obligations and other financial conditions before accepting an offer.

 

2. Grant Funding for Business Growth

The programme includes a grant component described as non-repayable support for eligible business needs.

 

Unlike a loan, a grant does not ordinarily require repayment when the recipient complies with the applicable terms. However, the amount available to each selected business and the specific conditions will depend on the programme's final decision.

 

3. Access to Discounted Business Loans

The programme's published information states that five grand winners will receive a combination of grant funding and discounted-rate loans, while up to 50 finalists may qualify for loans at discounted rates.

Business owners should assess the interest rate, repayment period, fees and affordability of any loan before accepting it.

 

4. Business Mentorship and Advisory Support

Entrepreneurs may also receive professional guidance and business advisory support to help them identify challenges, improve operations and develop stronger growth strategies.

 

This can be useful for business owners who need to improve their financial management, customer acquisition, pricing or expansion plans.

 

5. Digital Business Tools

The initiative includes access to digital operational tools intended to help businesses improve how they manage and run their activities.

Depending on the services made available, these resources may help entrepreneurs organise business processes and support more efficient operations.

 

6. Market Access and Banking Support

The programme also highlights market access and a banking partnership with Sterling Bank.

 

These services are intended to support participating businesses beyond the initial funding stage and help them build a stronger foundation for growth.

 

Who Can Apply for the TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton 2026?

The initiative is intended for eligible Nigerian micro, small and medium-sized businesses seeking funding and business development support.

According to the official eligibility information, applicants should meet the following requirements:

 

• Operate in Nigeria: The business should be based in Nigeria and actively operating, with the programme also allowing applicants who are willing to register their businesses.

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• Have a clear business model: Applicants should be able to explain what their businesses do, the products or services they offer and how they generate revenue.

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• Demonstrate business activity: Evidence of transactions and revenue activity is expected.

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• Have growth potential: The business should have a realistic plan for expansion or improvement.

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• Require funding for business purposes: The funding request should be connected to a clear business need, up to the programme's stated limit.

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• Meet the banking requirement: Applicants must have a Sterling Bank business account or follow the programme's instructions for opening one.

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Documents Required for the Application

Preparing the relevant documents in advance can make the application process easier.

The official programme page lists the following supporting information and documents:

 

• Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) business registration details and documents.

• A valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).

• Bank statements, depending on the age and registration status of the business.

• Proof of business address, such as an accepted utility bill.

• Valid identification for the business owner or promoter.

• Information about business revenue and financial performance.

• Details of the funding amount requested and how the money will be used.

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The programme states that businesses registered for three years or more should provide a 12-month business account statement. Different statement requirements may apply to younger businesses.

 

Review the official instructions carefully because additional information may be required during the application or evaluation process.

 

How to Apply for the TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton 2026

Interested entrepreneurs can apply online by following these steps.

 

Step 1: Visit the official application portal

Go to the TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton application page:

https://pitchathon.thebusinesshub.ng/#apply

 

Step 2: Review the eligibility requirements

Read the programme conditions and confirm that your business meets the stated requirements before proceeding.

 

Step 3: Provide your personal and business details

Complete the requested information about the business promoter, business name, registration, sector, location and financial activities.

 

Step 4: Prepare and upload the required documents

Provide the requested registration details, identification, tax information, bank statements and proof of business address, as applicable.

 

Step 5: Explain your funding needs

Indicate the amount you are requesting and explain how the funding will be used. The portal identifies uses such as purchasing goods or stock, acquiring equipment, expansion and working capital.

Be specific about the business problem you want to solve and how the funding could improve your operations.

 

Step 6: Review and submit your application

Check that the information you have supplied is accurate and that the required documents are attached before submitting the form.

 

Step 7: Monitor further communication

Shortlisted applicants are expected to participate in a pitching and evaluation process. Selection and funding will depend on the programme's assessment and applicable conditions.

 

When Is the TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton 2026 Application Deadline?

No fixed date

 

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Tips for Preparing a Strong Business Funding Application

Applying for business funding requires more than stating how much money you need. A clear explanation of your business and its growth plans can help demonstrate why the proposed funding is necessary.

 

Consider the following tips before applying.

 

• Explain what your business does. Describe your products or services, target customers and the problem you solve.

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• Show evidence of business activity. Keep relevant transaction records, sales information and bank statements organised.

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• Prepare a realistic budget. Break down the amount you need and explain how each part will be spent.

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• Demonstrate growth potential. Explain how additional stock, equipment or working capital could improve sales, capacity or efficiency.

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• Keep your financial records accurate. Ensure the figures in your application are consistent with your supporting documents.

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• Understand loan obligations. If part of the package is repayable, confirm the interest rate, repayment schedule and other conditions before accepting it.

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• Provide truthful information. Do not exaggerate revenue, invent customers or submit misleading documents.

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A well-prepared application should make it easy for the reviewers to understand the business, its current position and how the requested support could contribute to growth.

 

Is the TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton Application Free?

Yes the application process is free.

Applicants should use the official portal and exercise caution when dealing with individuals who promise guaranteed selection or funding in exchange for payment.

 

A successful application is not guaranteed, and applicants should not assume that submitting a form automatically qualifies them for the advertised funding.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton 2026

 

1. How much funding is available under the TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton?

The programme advertises up to ₦10 million in combined grant and loan support for selected businesses. The amount and funding structure offered to an individual business will depend on the programme's assessment and conditions.

 

2. Is the ₦10 million a grant or a loan?

It is a combination of grant funding and loan financing. The entire amount should not be treated as a non-repayable grant. Applicants should confirm the precise breakdown and repayment terms before accepting funding.

 

3. Can a small business owner apply?

The programme is designed for Nigerian MSMEs, including eligible businesses seeking expansion capital. Applicants must meet the published eligibility requirements and demonstrate business activity and growth potential.

 

4. Can I apply if my business is not yet registered?

The eligibility section says applicants may be willing to register their businesses. However, the application requirements also request CAC details and other documentation. Contact the organisers or check the portal to confirm what is accepted for an unregistered business.

 

5. Do I need a Sterling Bank business account?

Yes. The official FAQ states that applicants need a Sterling Bank business account. It also says applicants without one can open an account during the application process, subject to the programme's instructions.

 

6. How many businesses will receive support?

The official FAQ states that five grand winners will receive combined grant and discounted loan support, while up to 50 finalists may qualify for discounted-rate loans.

 

8. How can I apply for the TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton?

Visit the official application website at https://pitchathon.thebusinesshub.ng/#apply, review the requirements, complete the form and submit the requested information.

 

Conclusion

The TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton 2026 presents a potential funding and business development opportunity for Nigerian entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their operations and expand their businesses.

 

With a package advertised at up to ₦10 million in combined grant and loan support, the initiative may be worth considering for eligible business owners who can demonstrate revenue activity, clear funding needs and a realistic growth plan.

 

However, funding is competitive and is not guaranteed. Entrepreneurs should review the official requirements, prepare their documents and understand the terms of any loan before accepting an offer.

 

Ready to apply?

Visit the official TBH MSME Pitch-A-Ton portal to review the requirements and begin your application:

Application link: https://pitchathon.thebusinesshub.ng/#apply

 

Youth Empowerment Nigeria shares grant and business funding opportunities to help Nigerians discover options for business growth. Applicants should verify current requirements, deadlines and funding terms directly with the programme organisers.

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