GRA₦T$-OPTIO₦ Open Opportunities ₦igerians in 2025
If you’re looking for funding opportunities in Nigeria, several organizations offer grants to support entrepreneurs, startups, NGOs, and small businesses. Below is a detailed list of websites, links, and leads to help you apply for available funding.
1. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEF Grant)
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) offers $5,000 in seed funding, business training, and mentorship to African entrepreneurs.
- Apply Here: https://tefconnect.net
- Official Website: https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org
- Eligibility: Open to all African entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.
2. U.S. Embassy’s Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (ASSH) Program
This program provides grants for small-scale community development projects in Nigeria.
- Application Portal: https://ng.usembassy.gov/grants
- Eligibility: NGOs, cooperatives, and community-based organizations in Nigeria.
3. Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Grants
SMEDAN supports small businesses with grants, low-interest loans, and business training.
- Apply Here: https://smedan.gov.ng
- Eligibility: Small business owners in Nigeria.
4. African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Grant
AWIEF provides funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to female entrepreneurs across Africa.
- Website: https://awief.org
- Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in Africa.
5. GroFin SME Loans and Grants
GroFin provides funding between $100,000 and $1.5 million for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.
- Apply Here: https://www.grofin.com
- Eligibility: Entrepreneurs with viable business ideas.
6. Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) Seed Funding
MEST provides $50,000–$250,000 in seed funding for tech startups in Africa.
- Application Portal: https://meltwater.org
- Eligibility: Technology entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
7. Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Grants & Loans
LSETF offers funding support for startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs in Lagos.
- Apply Here: https://lsetf.ng
- Eligibility: Business owners operating in Lagos State.
8. Bank of Industry (BOI) Grants & Loans
The Bank of Industry (BOI) provides funding for Nigerian businesses in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
- Official Website: https://www.boi.ng
- Eligibility: Startups and businesses in Nigeria.
9. Federal Government of Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF)
The NYIF provides funding to Nigerian youths between 18–35 years old to support entrepreneurship and job creation.
- Application Portal: https://nyif.nmfb.com.ng
- Eligibility: Nigerian youth entrepreneurs.
10. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Grants
The UNDP offers grants for sustainable development, social impact, and entrepreneurship projects in Nigeria.
- Website: https://www.ng.undp.org
- Eligibility: NGOs, social enterprises, and impact-driven businesses.
11. Google for Startups Africa Fund
Google provides equity-free funding for African tech startups through its Google for Startups Black Founders Fund.
- Apply Here: https://startup.google.com/programs/blackfoundersfund/
- Eligibility: African startups using technology to solve problems.
12. Global Innovation Fund (GIF)
GIF provides grants and impact investments for businesses creating scalable solutions to social and economic challenges.
- Apply Here: https://www.globalinnovation.fund
- Eligibility: Startups and businesses with innovative solutions.
13. Bet9ja Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Grant
This initiative supports women entrepreneurs in Nigeria with funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
- Application Portal: https://bet9jafoundation.org
- Eligibility: Female-owned businesses in Nigeria.
14. African Development Bank (AfDB) Youth Agripreneur Program (YAP)
AfDB provides grants and funding for young African entrepreneurs in agriculture.
- Website: https://www.afdb.org
- Eligibility: Young agribusiness entrepreneurs.
15. NNPC-Shell LiveWIRE Programme
This initiative offers grants and training for young Nigerian entrepreneurs in the energy and manufacturing sectors.
- Apply Here: https://www.shell.com.ng/sustainability/education-and-training/livewire.html
- Eligibility: Entrepreneurs between 18–35 years.
16. Orange Corners Nigeria Grant Programme
A Dutch government initiative that provides business training and startup funding for young entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
- Application Portal: https://www.orangecorners.com/nigeria
- Eligibility: Young entrepreneurs (18–35 years old).
17. Flourish Africa Grant for Women Entrepreneurs
This program provides up to ₦2 million in funding for female-led businesses in Nigeria.
- Apply Here: https://www.flourishafrica.com
- Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Final Thoughts: How to Stay Updated on Grant Opportunities
To keep up with new grants and funding opportunities in Nigeria, follow these resources:
- Funds for NGOs (Regular grant updates): https://www2.fundsforngos.org
- Nigerian Government Grants & Loans Updates: https://www.nigerianinfopedia.com
- Facebook Groups: Search for “Nigeria Grants & Business Funding”
- LinkedIn Groups: Follow grant-related groups for regular updates
By leveraging these funding opportunities, you can secure financial support for your business, NGO, or startup in Nigeria.
Which grant are you most interested in? Let me know if you need help with the application process!