One Million Startups (OMS) operates through a network of regional and thematic programs designed to address the specific needs and opportunities of different markets.

Current OMS Programs include:

• AFRICA Program (Sub Saharan)
  
• MENA Program (Middle East & North Africa)
  
• EUROPE Program
  
• ASEAN Program (Southeast Asia)
  
• LAC Program (Latin America & Caribbean)

Each program is delivered in partnership with universities, innovation hubs, ecosystem organizations and other strategic partners designated by OMS. In regions where no official delivery partner has been appointed, OMS will directly manage the application and selection process and provide online program support to participants.

Applicants must apply under the category that best reflects their current stage of development.

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A. Solo Founders
Designed for individuals who are exploring, validating or preparing to launch a business idea.

Eligibility:

• Individual founder or aspiring entrepreneur.
  
• No registered company required.
  
• No product required.
  
• No customers required.
  
• Must have a business idea, concept or project under development.

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B. Startups & Teams
Designed for teams that are building products or services and working toward market validation.

Eligibility:

• Startup team (2 or more).
  
• Product, prototype or service under development or already launched.
  
• Company registration recommended but not mandatory.
  
• Early customers, pilots or market validation are encouraged.

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C. SMEs
Designed for established businesses seeking growth, digital transformation or market expansion.

Eligibility:

• Legally registered company.
  
• Existing customers.
  
• Active commercial operations.
  
• Demonstrated commitment to business growth.

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D. Scaleups
Designed for high-growth businesses seeking regional or international expansion.

Eligibility:

• Legally registered company.
  
• Existing customer base.
  
• Proven revenue generation.
  
• Scalable business model.
  
• Growth and expansion strategy.

One Million Startups runs two program cycles per year: a Fall Program and a Spring Program. Each cycle includes an application period, evaluation rounds, participant selection, showcase activities, recognition moments and global networking opportunities.
Selected participants gain access to the OMS ecosystem, including learning opportunities, business development frameworks, digital tools, expert guidance, international networks and visibility initiatives designed to support growth and expansion.

Throughout the program, participants may also be featured through OMS media channels, partner networks, events and showcase activities to increase their visibility and connect them with new opportunities.

The OMS application process is divided into two stages. Applicants first submit a short registration to confirm their eligibility and program alignment. Selected applicants may then be invited to complete a more detailed application.

Step 1: Registration
Applicants complete the Registration Form.

The registration process is used to:

• Verify basic eligibility.
  
• Identify the appropriate participant category.
  
• Determine the most relevant regional program.
  
• Understand the applicant’s current business stage.

Step 2: Application
Eligible applicants may be invited to complete a detailed Application Form.

Depending on the participant category, the application may request:

• Business and company information.
  
• Product or service information.
  
• Team information.
  
• Market and customer information.
  
• Growth and expansion objectives.
  
• Supporting documents or relevant links.

Only complete applications submitted within the established deadline will proceed to evaluation.

Applications are assessed through a structured evaluation process designed to identify promising entrepreneurs, viable business opportunities and initiatives with the potential to generate sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
The evaluation considers both the current strength of the applicant and their capacity to develop through access to knowledge, digital tools, expert support, partnerships and relevant business ecosystems. The criteria applied may vary according to the applicant category, business stage, region and specific program objectives.

Evaluation Criteria Explained

Entrepreneurial Potential
The applicant’s motivation, initiative, resilience, adaptability and commitment to developing the venture. The evaluation may also consider the applicant’s current skills, ability to acquire new capabilities and access to the tools, knowledge, networks and ecosystem support required to advance the business.

Innovation
The originality and relevance of the idea, product, service, technology or business approach. Innovation may include the creation of a new solution or a meaningful improvement to an existing product, process, market or delivery model.

Business Model
The clarity, feasibility and sustainability of how the business creates, delivers and captures value. The evaluation may consider revenue sources, cost structure, customer relationships, distribution channels and the overall viability of the proposed model.

Market Opportunity
The relevance of the problem being addressed, the definition of the target market and the potential demand for the proposed solution. Consideration may also be given to market size, customer needs, competition and emerging market trends.

Growth Potential
The capacity of the business to increase its customer base, revenue, operations, geographic reach or overall impact. The assessment may consider the opportunity for expansion into new markets, sectors or customer segments.

Team Capabilities
The experience, knowledge, commitment and complementary skills of the founder or team. The evaluation may also consider role clarity, leadership capacity, technical expertise and the ability to attract additional talent when needed.

Digital Readiness
The applicant’s ability and willingness to use digital technologies, platforms, data and business tools to improve operations, reach customers and support growth. This may include current digital capabilities as well as the capacity to adopt new technologies.

Regional Impact
The potential contribution of the business to entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation, skills development and ecosystem growth within the applicant’s city, country or region.

Social and Economic Contribution
The capacity of the business to generate employment, strengthen communities, promote inclusion, improve access to opportunities or contribute to sustainable economic development.

Alignment with Program Objectives
The extent to which the applicant and proposed business support the mission, priorities and intended outcomes of the OMS Program, including entrepreneurship development, digital inclusion, market access and international growth.

Scalability Potential
The capacity of the business model, product, service or operational structure to grow efficiently beyond its current market. The evaluation may consider replicability, technology use, standardization and the ability to expand without a proportional increase in costs.

Execution Readiness
The applicant’s preparedness to move from planning to implementation. This may include the existence of a clear roadmap, defined priorities, available resources, early validation, realistic objectives and the ability to take action within the program period.

Criteria and weighting may vary according to the participant category, regional program, business stage and specific evaluation round.

The OMS evaluation process is conducted through multiple stages to ensure that applications are reviewed consistently, fairly and according to the objectives of the relevant program, category and region.

Phase 1: Eligibility Review

The OMS Secretariat reviews registrations and applications to confirm:

• Applicant eligibility.
  
• Application completeness.
  
• Participant category.
  
• Regional program alignment.
  
• Submission of the required information and documentation.

Applicants may be contacted to provide clarification, correct incomplete information or submit additional supporting documents.

Applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements or remain incomplete after the requested deadline may not proceed to the next phase.

Phase 2: First Evaluation

Eligible applications are reviewed by a Judging Panel composed of relevant experts, entrepreneurs, investors, academics, industry professionals and ecosystem leaders.

Applications are assessed using a structured scoring framework based on the published evaluation criteria.

During this phase, the Judging Panel may:

• Review the information and documentation submitted.
  
• Compare applications within the relevant category or region.
  
• Request clarification through the OMS Secretariat.
  
• Recommend applicants for progression to the final evaluation stage.

Applicants who achieve the required evaluation standard may be shortlisted and invited to proceed to the next phase.

Phase 3: Final Evaluation

The Final Selection Committee reviews the shortlisted applications and determines the final selection of program participants.

Depending on the program and evaluation round, the Committee may also identify:

• Award recipients.
  
• Special recognition recipients.
  
• Applicants suitable for specific regional or thematic programs.
  
• Applicants who may benefit from additional development support.

The Committee may conduct interviews, request presentations or ask applicants to provide additional information before reaching a final decision.

Final Decisions

The decisions of the Final Selection Committee are final.

OMS reserves the right to:

• Reallocate available places between categories or regions.
  
• Create additional award or recognition categories.
  
• Select additional participants where justified by application quality or program capacity.
  
• Place qualified applicants on a reserve or waiting list.
  
• Withhold awards or recognitions when the required standards are not met.
  
• Refer applicants to another OMS program, category or evaluation round where appropriate.

Participation, selection, awards and recognition are subject to program capacity, eligibility requirements and the final approval of the relevant OMS selection bodies.

Participation in OMS Programs gives selected founders, startups and SMEs access to a broad range of benefits designed to strengthen their capabilities, support business development, increase visibility and connect them with relevant opportunities.

These benefits are organised into four main areas:



The following sections outline the main benefits available within each of these areas.

1. Recognition & Global Visibility

Certificates & Formal Recognition
The organization will issue OMS Verified Startup Certificates and OMS Member Badges to participants who meet the applicable program criteria. Additional forms of institutional recognition may also be granted to acknowledge participation, achievement, innovation and distinction within the Program.

Startup & Founder Promotion
The organization may promote selected startups and founders through OMS digital platforms, institutional communications, campaigns and partner channels. Promotional activities may include participant profiles, startup presentations, founder stories and features highlighting relevant achievements, solutions and impact.

Media & Editorial Exposure
OMS may provide selected participants with opportunities for media and editorial exposure through articles, interviews, opinion pieces, news coverage, press releases and other content initiatives. Such activities are intended to strengthen public visibility, credibility and positioning within relevant business and innovation ecosystems.

Awards & Special Recognition
The organization may confer awards, distinctions and special recognitions upon participants who demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, growth potential, leadership or social and economic impact. Recognition categories may vary according to the program, region and evaluation round.

Global Events & Showcase Opportunities
OMS may invite selected participants to take part in global events, partner activities, startup showcases, promotional initiatives and international missions. These opportunities are designed to present participating ventures to wider audiences and facilitate connections with business leaders, institutions, investors and ecosystem partners.

2. Digital Tools, Content & Platforms

The OMS Academy
The OMS Academy will serve as the central digital knowledge and learning environment of the Program, providing participants with access to business information, practical resources and structured guidance across the different stages of their entrepreneurial journey. It will include digital learning content, practical guides and templates, business development frameworks and Business Roadmaps designed to support the launch, validation, growth and international expansion of participating ventures.

Learning & Training Opportunities
OMS may facilitate access to learning and training opportunities delivered by universities, experts, training providers and ecosystem partners. These opportunities may include online courses, professional programs, masterclasses, workshops, expert sessions and other capability-building activities aligned with participants’ needs and stages of development.

Digital Tools & Platforms
OMS may provide or facilitate access to digital tools and platforms, including selected MyBusiness.com services and capabilities, to support business planning, operations, communication, customer engagement, collaboration, visibility and growth. The tools and services made available may vary according to the program, participant profile and applicable service conditions.

Curated Opportunities & Third-Party Resources
OMS may identify and share relevant programs, events, calls for applications, partnerships, funding opportunities and market-entry initiatives through universities, innovation centres, institutional partners and other ecosystem organizations.

3. Mentoring, Advisory & Support

Expert Mentoring
Through the ecosystem partners associated with each OMS Program, selected participants may gain access to experienced entrepreneurs, executives, investors, academics and industry specialists. Mentoring may support the different stages of the entrepreneurial process, from idea validation and business model development to market entry, growth and scaling.

Capability-Building Activities
Participants may be invited to take part in webinars, in-person workshops, advisory sessions, working groups and other practical activities designed to strengthen entrepreneurial, managerial, commercial and leadership capabilities.

Business Advisory Support
In cooperation with local and regional partners, selected participants may receive business advisory support adapted to the realities of each market. Support may cover areas such as strategy, operations, finance, marketing, commercialization, organizational development and international expansion.

Founder & Peer Support
OMS may facilitate interaction between founders, entrepreneurs and business leaders, creating opportunities for peer learning, experience sharing, collaboration and mutual support within the Program community.

Partner-Led Programs & Services
Selected participants may be referred to programs, services and support initiatives delivered by universities, accelerators, innovation centres, professional organizations and other OMS ecosystem partners.

Access to mentoring, advisory services and partner-led support may vary according to participant needs, program availability, partner capacity and applicable selection requirements.

4. Networks, Markets & Investment

Partner & Ecosystem Networks
Through the OMS ecosystem, selected participants may be connected with relevant partners, institutions, chambers of commerce, innovation centres, universities, business associations and other organizations active within each regional or thematic Program.

International Market Access
OMS and participating partners may facilitate access to information, contacts and opportunities that support entry into new markets. This may include market insights, local ecosystem connections, business introductions and guidance on regional expansion.

Strategic Events & Business Missions
Participants may be invited to attend conferences, trade events, startup showcases, business delegations and international missions designed to increase visibility, strengthen relationships and explore commercial opportunities.

Funding & Investment Exposure
Selected ventures may gain exposure to investors, funding organizations, corporate partners and other capital providers through presentations, pitch opportunities, curated introductions and investment-related activities.

Connections with Investors & Business Leaders
OMS may facilitate relevant connections with investors, executives, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and decision-makers who can contribute knowledge, strategic relationships, commercial opportunities or potential investment.

Regional & International Partnerships
Participants may be supported in identifying and developing partnerships with organizations operating at local, regional and international levels, including commercial, institutional, academic and innovation partnerships.

Cross-Border Growth Opportunities
OMS may help participants explore opportunities for internationalization, including new customers, distribution channels, strategic alliances, market-entry initiatives and participation in cross-border business ecosystems.

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Access to networks, events, market opportunities, investors and partnerships may vary according to participant readiness, regional availability, partner engagement and applicable selection requirements.

Some benefits are provided directly through OMS and MyBusiness.com, while others are facilitated through ecosystem partners and may be subject to availability, eligibility or separate selection processes.

Selected participants may be invited to participate in the OMS Awards & Recognition Ceremony.

The ceremony may include:

• Participant Recognition
  
• Startup Showcases
  
• Investor Engagement Activities
  
• Partner Meetings
  
• Networking Sessions
  
• Special Awards

Attendance requirements will be communicated separately.

Applicants retain ownership of all intellectual property, business information, materials and content submitted as part of the OMS registration, application and evaluation process.

By participating in an OMS Program, applicants authorize the organization to:

• Review and process the information submitted for eligibility, evaluation, selection and program administration purposes.
  
• Share relevant application information with authorized evaluators, selection committee members, program partners and service providers where necessary for the proper delivery of the Program.
  
• Use the applicant’s company name, brand name, logo, public business description and other non-confidential information for institutional communication, participant promotion and program-related visibility activities.
  
• Publish the names and profiles of selected participants, finalists, award recipients and recognized ventures through OMS websites, digital platforms, reports, media content and partner communications.
  
• Retain application and participation records for administrative, reporting, monitoring and program development purposes.

Confidential or commercially sensitive information identified as such by the applicant will be handled with appropriate care and will only be shared with authorized parties where required for evaluation, due diligence, program delivery or legal and regulatory purposes.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the information and materials they submit do not infringe the intellectual property, confidentiality, privacy or other legal rights of third parties.

Participation in the Program does not transfer ownership of any applicant intellectual property to OMS or its partners. Any separate use, licensing, development or commercial exploitation of applicant intellectual property will require an additional written agreement between the relevant parties.

For questions regarding eligibility, applications or participation:

Please contact the OMS Team through the official Contact Form available on the OMS website.

Additional information may also be available through regional partners and program coordinators.