In 2025, Nigerian startups have more access than ever to non‑repayable funding from government agencies and public institutions. These grants not only provide capital but also validate your startup’s potential. Below is a curated list of the latest government-backed grant opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application tips.
1. Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP)
- Grant: $5,000 seed funding
- Perks: 12 weeks of training, mentorship, and a continental network
- Eligibility: Registered startups under 3 years old, any industry
- How to Apply: Visit the Tony Elumelu Foundation website
2. CBN Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) via Bank of Industry
- Grant Component: YES offers grants and low-interest loans for exceptional youth-led ventures
- Eligibility: Nigerian youth (18–35 years) with registered businesses and viable proposals
- Focus Areas: Tech, agribusiness, manufacturing, services
- Apply Through: BOI official portal and youth entrepreneur programs
3. MTN Y’ello Preneur Grant
- Purpose: Supports female entrepreneurs with funding and tailored training
- Eligibility: Registered women-owned businesses in Nigeria
- Benefits: Growth capital, mentorship, MTN network leverage
4. FGN‑ALAT Digital Skillnovation Grant
- Grant Size: Up to $100,000 in support capital
- Focus: Seed-stage SMEs in tech‑enabled sectors like Agri, logistics, data, clean energy
- Purpose: Fund startups to scale digitally with innovation under the Federal Ministry’s flagship program.
5. NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Program
- Focus Area: Space-tech and adjacent solutions
- Personnel: Startups using space technologies with MVPs
- Support: Mentorship, global exposure, funding opportunities
- Timeline: Applications open Feb 1 – Apr 11, 2025 nigcomsat.gov.ng
6. Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) SME Grants
- Mode: Wholesale financing via partner institutions like microfinance banks
- Access: DBN supports intermediary lending, some of which includes subsidized grant-like financing
- Stats: Over ₦1 trillion disbursed to more than 495,000 MSMEs as of mid-2024.
7. National Startup Seed Fund (Nigeria Startup Act – NSIA)
- Mandate: Supports early-stage tech startups through the Sovereign Investment Fund
- Provided By: Nigeria Startup Act’s flagship Innovation Seed Fund, managed by NSIA and ecosystem stakeholders.
8. N‑Power / GEEP Micro Grants
- Target Group: Youth and women entrepreneurs through social safety nets
- Offerings: Training and micro-lending; in some cases, non-repayable micro-finance support via GEEP/BOI
- Benefits: Seed capital, business training, access to livelihood programs.
9. Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF)
- Focus: Impact‑oriented grants and investments for rural and social enterprises
- Eligibility: Social businesses in agriculture, clean energy, hospitality, and education
- Unique Value: Structured as a hybrid fund offering both financial returns and social impact utibeetim.com
🔍 How to Apply for These Grants: Step‑by‑Step
- Validate your business idea — aim for scalability, social impact, and clarity.
- Register with CAC — most grants require your startup to be formally registered.
- Prepare a clear business proposal — include problem, solution, market, plan, and use of funds.
- Track your revenue and proof of activity — use ProInvoice to create free invoices and track customer payments—this shows traction and improves credibility.
- Customize each application — tailor your proposal to funder priorities and eligibility criteria.
- Respect deadlines and submit complete documentation — avoid common application errors.
- Prepare for possible pitch interviews — practice a concise 1–3 minute summary of your startup and funding use.
💡 Why You Should Use ProInvoice Now
To show credibility during a grant application, you must demonstrate real business activity—even before receiving formal funding. With ProInvoice, you can:
- Issue professional invoices to customers or clients
- Generate records of income and business activity
- Use structured documentation to back your submission
👉 Sign up here to start building your digital invoice history today
✅ At-a-Glance Table of Top Government Grant Schemes (2025)
| Grant Program | Eligible Founders | Funding Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEEP (Tony Elumelu) | Registered startups (<3 yrs) | $5,000 | Training + seed funding |
| BOI YES | Youth 18–35 with business idea | Partial grant/loan | Youth grants & loans |
| MTN Y’ello Preneur | Female entrepreneurs | Competitive grant | Women-focused mentorship |
| FGN‑ALAT Skillnovation | Seed-stage tech SMEs | $100K max support | Technology sector growth |
| NIGCOMSAT Accelerator | Space-tech startups | Mentorship + funding | Space & innovation focus |
| DBN-Certified Banks | MSMEs via financial partners | Low-cost funding | Subsidized capital via intermediaries |
| NSIA/Nigeria Startup Seed Fund | Tech startups under Startup Act | Seed funding | Ecosystem-backed capital |
| N‑Power / GEEP | Youth & micro-entrepreneurs | Micro grants/loans | Income support + training |
| NCDF | Social impact enterprises | Impact grants | Rural + development initiatives |
Final Thoughts
Government-backed grants in Nigeria are increasingly structured to support innovation, youth ownership, and impact-oriented businesses. Each fund serves a specific demographic or industry focus — so pick the ones that match your startup.
Prepare thoroughly, keep records of your business activity, and show documentation of customer traction—tools like ProInvoice make that easy and professional.
👉 Sign up now to start sending real invoices and build credibility—even before receiving a grant.
