Explore
Discover practical guides, business insights, podcasts and conversations with experienced entrepreneurs.
From Idea to Business
1xStartup is a 1xBet initiative for ambitious people aged 18–35 in Zambia who want to develop their ideas, strengthen their projects and take practical steps towards launching or growing a business.
Access practical business resources, expert insights and mentorship, and compete for a cash prize to bring your project to life.
Applications for the 1xStartup Project Competition are open from October 6 to November 15, 2026
What is 1xSTARTUP?
A place where ideas move forward
1xStartup brings together practical business resources, expert insights and opportunities for people across Zambia.
The project is designed for people who already have a business or social project idea, as well as those who are ready to turn an early concept into a realistic plan.
Through practical guides, and regular business content, participants can explore real approaches to finance, marketing, technology, visibility and business growth.
At the centre of 1xStartup is an open business project competition, where selected projects can compete for cash prizes to support their implementation.
1xSTARTUP PROJECT COMPETITION?
Your idea could be next
1xStartup is opening applications for its business project competition for young entrepreneurs and project creators across Zambia.
Participants can submit a business or social project and compete for a cash prize to support its implementation.
Key facts
3 winners
40 000 ZMW cash prize for each winner
For Zambia residents aged 18–35
Applications: October 6 – November 15, 2026
Projects will be reviewed according to clear criteria, including:
- relevance of the idea;
- feasibility;
- development potential;
- proposed use of the cash prize;
- participant motivation;
- potential value and impact of the project.
News
Practical tips, success stories, business insights, and updates
from Business School by 1xBet
🚀 Mzenga x 1xStartUp: From Conversation to Action!
Subtext in this news
Long article description Long article description Long article description Long article description Long article description
Read more
LIVE: Mzenga x 1xStartup — From Idea to Business
Subtext in this news
Join Mzenga Man, 1xStartup partner for a live conversation about entrepreneurship in Zambia. Discover practical insights on turning ideas into action, overcoming business challenges, and learn about the 1xStartUp Project Contest, where three winners will receive $2,000 each to bring their business or social projects to life.
Read more
BUSINESS GUIDES
Practical ideas for real business challenges. Explore a series of practical video guides created with entrepreneurs and experts who understand the realities of building projects in Zambia.
From Idea to Action: Building a Business in Zambia
Long article description Long article description Long article descripti
18h 58 min
Smart Money: Financial Literacy & Investor Readiness
Long article description Long article description Long article descripti
18h 58 min
Digital Power: Technology & AI for Small Business
Long article description Long article description Long article descripti
18h 58 min
Make It Seen: Content, Branding & Digital Marketing
Long article description Long article description Long article descripti
18h 58 min
Mindset and Growth: the formula for an entrepreneur’s personal success
Long article description Long article description Long article descripti
18h 58 min
How to Prepare a Strong Grant Application
Long article description Long article description Long article descripti
18h 58 min
How to Earn with the 1xBet Affiliate Program
Long article description Long article description Long article descripti
18h 58 min
HOW IT WORKS
How 1xStartup Works
1
2
Shape Your Idea
Define the problem, your solution, target audience, implementation plan and expected impact.
3
Prepare Your Project
Build a clear and realistic proposal showing how your idea can work in practice.
4
Submit Your Application
Apply to the 1xStartup Project Competition between October 6 and November 15, 2026.
5
Compete for a Cash Prize
The strongest projects will move through the selection process, with three winners receiving 40 000 ZMW each to implement their submitted projects.
Online Guides
Join our next live session to learn practical business skills,ask questions, and connect with like-minded people across Zambia.
FAQ
Who can participate?
The 1xStartup Project Competition is open to Zambia residents aged 18–35 who have a business or social project they want to develop.Do I have to pay to participate?
No. Access to 1xStartup content and participation in the Project Competition are free.Do I need previous business experience?
No. Previous business experience is not required. What matters is having a clear project idea, a realistic approach and the motivation to implement it.What can I submit to the competition?
You can submit a business or social project with a clear idea, implementation plan and explanation of how the project can create value.When can I apply?
Applications will be accepted from October 6 to November 6, 2026. Applications submitted outside this period will not be considered.How will projects be evaluated?
Applications will be reviewed according to several criteria, including: - relevance of the idea; - feasibility; - development potential; - proposed use of the cash prize; - participant motivation; - potential value and impact of the project.What will the winners receive?
Three winners will receive a cash prize of $2,000 each to implement the projects submitted to the competition.How can the prize money be used?
The prize money must be used exclusively for the implementation of the project submitted to the 1xStartup Project Competition.
