Contact Information
Oasis Center, Loveworld Campground, Asese, Ogun State, Nigeria.- +2347063472561
- sbocustomercare@gmail.com
A complete ecosystem, not just a training
Most programmes stop at workshops. BEGIN is an ongoing initiative that walks with a business through every stage of growth - from getting legally compliant, to becoming investment-ready, to pitching for funding, to exporting beyond borders. Businesses that join are called SBOs (Strategic Business Organizations), a term coined by LoveWorld LTIF and similar to SMEs.
Built for four kinds of builders
Whether you are just starting, scaling an existing business, sourcing suppliers, or looking to invest - there is a place for you in BEGIN.
Entrepreneurs
- Launch your business the right way
- Build on a compliant foundation
- Access training and mentorship
Existing SMEs
- Scale faster
- Become investment ready
- Expand into new markets
Corporate Organizations
- Discover reliable suppliers
- Find innovation partners
- Support local enterprise
Investors
- Access screened, ready businesses
- Reduce investment risk
- Meet high-potential founders
The BEGIN journey, stage by stage
Every SBO moves through the same path, from first idea to full business growth. It is a journey, not a one-off event.
Idea
You have a business idea or an existing venture.
Register
Complete your SBO application and pay the fee.
Assessment
Get a free AI powered business health check.
Compliance
Submit your Required Compliance Documents.
Incubation
Sharpen your strategy so customers want you.
Investment Readiness
Prepare your business for investor scrutiny.
Funding
Selected businesses pitch in the Deal Room.
Export
Strengthen packaging, standards and market entry.
Growth
Scale with confidence, at home and abroad.
Choose the category that fits you
Businesses register under one of two categories, each with its own registration fee payable in Espees - you'll see the current fee on the registration form. Investors have a dedicated registration on the Become an Investor page.
Citizen's SBO
A privately owned business operated by a LoveWorld member.
Enterprise SBO
A business or organisation officially registered under the LoveWorld ecosystem - schools, hospitals, banks, media and other institutions.
Investor
Funding, partnering with, or investing in businesses in the programme? Register on the Become an Investor page.
How the application works
The SBO application has two parts, and both must be completed.
1. Business Information - your personal and business details, category, business description, ownership and shareholding (for LLCs).
2. Required Compliance Documents - the detailed business dossier, uploaded across five sections after payment.
Payment is required before you can access the Required Compliance Documents. You can save your progress and continue at any time, and you'll receive email confirmations along the way.
Start your applicationHow businesses are assessed
Completing the application makes you eligible - it does not guarantee selection for the Deal Room. Our team reviews every submission against clear criteria.
Apply nowWe assess
- Compliance with programme requirements
- Investment readiness
- Business viability
- Growth potential
- Completion of the BEGIN programme
- Quality of documents submitted
Good to know
- Meeting the minimum does not guarantee selection
- You may register more than one business (separate applications)
- Businesses outside Nigeria are welcome
- Every applicant still benefits from training & support
The BEGIN Deal Room
Where selected businesses pitch for funding
The Deal Room is a business pitch competition where qualified businesses present to investors, development finance institutions and business leaders for funding, partnerships and market opportunities.
You qualify by joining BEGIN, completing your compliance documents, and meeting the assessment criteria - there is no separate Deal Room form. Even if you're not selected, you keep every benefit of the programme.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the BEGIN Programme, registration, and the Required Compliance Documents. Pick a category below.
What is SBO?
SBO stands for Strategic Business Organization, a term coined by LoveWorld LTIF. It is similar to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in the business space.
What is BEGIN?
BEGIN (Business Expansion Growth Initiative) is a programme designed to help businesses grow. It provides business training, mentorship, networking opportunities, access to funding opportunities, and prepares businesses for investment and expansion.
What is the DealRoom?
The DealRoom is a Business Pitch Competition where qualified businesses present their businesses to investors and funding partners. It provides opportunities to secure funding, partnerships and business support.
What is the SBO Application Process?
The SBO Application Process is designed to assess your business, prepare it for investment opportunities, and determine your eligibility for the DealRoom competition. The application consists of Business Information and Required Compliance Documents. Both sections must be completed successfully.
Do I have to complete the Business Information before accessing the Required Compliance Documents section?
Yes. Business Information must be completed successfully before you can proceed to the Required Compliance Documents section.
How long does it take to complete the application?
It depends on how prepared you are. Applicants who already have all the required information and documents can complete the application much faster.
What happens if I submit incomplete information?
Our customer support team will assist you where necessary.
What is an Enterprise SBO?
An Enterprise SBO is a business or organization officially registered under the LoveWorld ecosystem, such as LoveWorld schools, hospitals, clinics, banks, media organizations, and other registered institutions.
What is a Citizen's SBO?
A Citizen's SBO is a privately owned business operated by a LoveWorld member.
Who is an Investor?
An Investor is an individual or organization interested in funding, partnering with, or investing in businesses participating in the BEGIN Programme.
How do I know which category I belong to?
Choose Enterprise SBO if your organization is officially registered under LoveWorld, Citizen's SBO if you own a private business, or Investor if you are registering to invest in businesses.
What is the registration fee?
- Citizen's SBO - 15 Espees
- Enterprise SBO - 25 Espees
- Investor - 50 Espees
Is payment compulsory?
Yes. Payment must be completed before you can access the Required Compliance Documents section.
Does payment guarantee participation in the DealRoom?
No. Payment gives you access to the BEGIN Programme. Selection for the DealRoom depends on meeting the programme requirements and assessment criteria.
Who can apply for the BEGIN Programme?
Eligible Enterprise SBOs, Citizen's SBOs, and Investors can apply through the BEGIN Website.
Can I attend the DealRoom without participating in the BEGIN Programme?
No. You must participate in the BEGIN Programme and satisfy the programme requirements before you can qualify for the DealRoom.
What happens after I submit my application?
You will receive a confirmation email, and a member of our team may contact you if additional information or clarification is required.
Will every applicant be selected for the DealRoom?
No. Selection depends on successfully meeting the programme requirements and assessment criteria.
I registered last year. Do I need to register again?
Yes. Previous applicants should complete the current registration process and pay the applicable registration fee for this year's programme.
I completed the first section last year but did not complete the Required Compliance Documents. Can I still continue?
No. You would need to start the registration process all over.
When will the DealRoom take place?
The DealRoom is scheduled to hold on the 4th and 5th of September in Ghana.
Can I join if my business is not registered?
The BEGIN Programme is open to legally registered businesses. If your business is not yet registered, our Customer Support Team will guide you on the appropriate registration process in your country and advise you on the next steps before you complete your application.
Can I join from outside Nigeria?
Yes. Businesses registered outside Nigeria are welcome to apply, provided they meet the programme requirements and submit the required business registration documents issued by the appropriate authority in their country.
Can I register more than one business?
Yes. You may register more than one business, provided each business is submitted as a separate application and meets the programme eligibility requirements.
How are businesses selected for the DealRoom?
Businesses are assessed based on their compliance with programme requirements, investment readiness, business viability, growth potential, and successful completion of the BEGIN Programme. Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection for the DealRoom.
What happens if I don't qualify for the DealRoom?
If your business is not selected for the DealRoom, you will still benefit from the training, mentorship, business support, and networking opportunities offered through the BEGIN Programme. You may also be considered for future opportunities where applicable.
Can I still benefit if I am not selected for the DealRoom?
Yes. The BEGIN Programme provides participants with business development training, compliance guidance, mentorship, investment readiness support, and access to valuable business networks, regardless of DealRoom selection.
How do investors choose businesses?
Investors make independent decisions based on factors such as the business model, market opportunity, financial readiness, scalability, management team, and alignment with their investment objectives.
Will I receive mentoring?
Yes. Participants will receive guidance, mentorship, and support from experienced facilitators and industry experts throughout the BEGIN Programme to help strengthen their businesses and improve investment readiness.
What information is required in Business Information?
- Personal Information
- Business Information
- Business LinkedIn
- Business Ownership Details
- Shareholding Information (for Limited Liability Companies)
- Business Sector
- Business Description
- Application Category
What should I include in my Business Description?
- What your business does
- Products or services
- Your target customers
- The problem you solve
- How you make money
- Your achievements
- Your future plans
What if I do not have a Business LinkedIn page?
You may leave the field blank if you do not have one.
What is meant by Shareholding Structure?
This refers to the percentage ownership of each shareholder in a Limited Liability Company. Business Names can ignore this field.
What are Required Compliance Documents?
These are the documents and business information required to assess your business and determine its investment readiness.
How many sections are in the Required Compliance Documents?
- Business Overview
- Market & Competition
- Support & Partnerships
- Financial Readiness
- Governance & Legal
What documents should I prepare before starting?
- Business Registration Document
- Pitch Deck
- Business Introduction Video
- Customer Testimonials
- Tax Clearance Certificate
- Audited Financial Accounts
- Board or Management Structure
- Organisational Chart
- Legal Contracts (where applicable)
Are all uploads mandatory?
No. Some uploads are compulsory, while others are optional or only required if applicable to your business.
What file size is allowed?
The maximum upload size is 25MB per document unless otherwise stated.
What qualifies as a customer testimonial?
- Recommendation Letters
- Reference Letters
- Customer Reviews
- Written Feedback
Where possible, include the customer's name, email address, and business name.
What should be included in the funding requirement section?
- Amount required
- Purpose of the funding
- Expected outcome
- Return on Investment (ROI), where applicable
What is a Pitch Deck?
A Pitch Deck is a presentation that explains your business, including Problem & Solution, Market Opportunity, Business Model, Traction, Team, Financials and Funding Needs.
What should be included in the 2-minute business video?
- Your business
- The problem you solve
- Your products or services
- Your target market
- Your achievements
- Your future plans
Can I save my application and continue later?
Yes. The BEGIN Portal allows you to save your progress and continue your application later.
Will I receive a payment confirmation?
Yes. A payment confirmation email will be sent after successful payment.
Will I receive confirmation after completing my application?
Yes. A registration completion email will be sent after you successfully submit all the Required Compliance Documents.
My business has never received a grant. Can I still apply?
Yes. Receiving a grant is not a requirement.
My business has never attended an incubation program. Can I still apply?
Yes. Previous participation in an incubation or accelerator program is not compulsory.
What if I do not have business partners?
Simply indicate that you do not currently have any business partners.
What if I do not have patents or trademarks?
Simply indicate that you do not currently have any registered intellectual property.
What if I do not have a board of directors?
Provide details of your existing management or leadership structure instead.
Are bank statements required?
No. Bank statements are no longer required as part of the current application documents.
Are audited financial statements required?
Yes. Applicants should upload their audited financial accounts for the last 3 years where available.
Do I need legal contracts?
Only if applicable. If you have contracts with suppliers, partners, or clients, indicate Yes and upload your top three contracts.
Can I update my application after submission?
Please contact the SBO Support Team if you need to make corrections after submitting your application.
Still have questions?
Our support team is ready to assist you throughout the application process.
Become part of Africa's fastest-growing business ecosystem
Register today and take the next step in your business growth journey. Questions? Email sbocustomercare@lwcommerce.org.
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