Applications are now open for the 2026 Femmy O Foundation Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The foundation will award a €1,000 grant to one entrepreneur or small business owner looking to establish or grow their venture. In addition to the main grant, the foundation also announced a second €500 grant for another selected applicant.
The initiative is part of the foundation’s mission to continue the legacy of Femmy Olaniyi through entrepreneurship, learning, and community impact.
The grant is targeted at early-stage businesses with growth potential and founders who are willing to develop their management or technical skills.
About the Femmy O Foundation
The Femmy O Foundation was established in memory of Femmy Olaniyi, described by the organisation as a devoted Christian, entrepreneur, teacher, and mentor.
According to the foundation, Femmy dedicated her Sundays to teaching and mentoring children in church while also running her own nail business during her studies.
Despite battling gastric cancer, she completed a Business degree at the National College of Ireland, a journey the foundation says reflected her determination, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The foundation explained that it was created by her family to honour her values of faith, generosity, innovation, and perseverance.
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the grant, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Applicants must be over 18 years old
- Applicants must be starting a new business or operating a small business that is less than three years old
- Businesses must be based in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland
- Businesses must show growth potential
- Applicants must possess management or technical skills, or be willing to develop them
The foundation noted that applicants from Northern Ireland will receive the pound sterling equivalent of the grant amount based on the exchange rate at the time.
What Applicants Need to Submit
The application process requires applicants to complete and upload an official Grant Application Document.
Applicants are expected to:
- Download the grant application document
- Complete all required sections
- Upload the completed document through the official application form
The foundation stated that applications submitted without the completed document will not be considered.
Applicants also have the option of submitting a short supplementary video pitch about their business. According to the foundation, the video is optional and does not affect eligibility, but it can help applicants present their ideas more clearly.
To help applicants complete the business model canvas section of the application, the foundation also shared a guidance video titled “The Business Model Canvas: What & How.”
Selection and Review Process
After the application deadline, submissions will be reviewed by a panel of independent judges.
The judges will assess the completed application documents and any additional materials submitted by applicants.
According to the foundation, applicants will receive a decision before the end of July 2026.
Successful applicants will officially receive their grants during the annual Femmy O Foundation Function scheduled for July 26, 2026.
Grant Recipient Responsibilities
The foundation also outlined several conditions successful applicants must agree to before accepting the grant.
Grant recipients will be expected to:
- Attend the annual Femmy O Foundation function where winners will be publicly announced
- Consent to photography and promotional use of images on the foundation’s website and social media platforms
- Provide quarterly business progress updates during the first year after receiving the grant
- Return the following year to share updates about the progress of their business
The foundation said the updates will help the board and judging panel monitor how the grant supports business development and entrepreneurial growth.
Applications close on May 17, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply for the 2026 Femmy O Foundation Grant by completing the official application form and uploading the required application document before the closing date.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/8nr4btfAicXMWT4z5.
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