Securing funding especially non-equity grants, is one of the biggest challenges for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and early-stage startups in Nigeria. While loans require repayment and equity funding means giving up a share of your business, business grants in Nigeria offer a lifeline of non-repayable, equity-free funding.
This guide outlines some of the most significant grant opportunities available for Nigerian entrepreneurs, from grassroots micro-businesses to scale-focused SMEs.
Key Grant Opportunities for Nigerian Entrepreneurs.
The opportunities below represent a mix of pan-African, Federal, and focused non-equity grant programs, all aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and job creation.
- Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme
The TEF Programme remains one of the most prominent and largest grant opportunities across the continent. It provides not just funding, but a comprehensive support system.
Eligibility: African entrepreneurs (including Nigerians) with a viable business idea or an operating business (0-3 years).
Support: US$5,000 seed capital (equity-free), world-class business training, dedicated mentorship, and access to a global network of peers and investors.
Why this matters: It’s a well-known, high-impact opportunity providing significant equity-free funding and invaluable non-financial support, making it highly competitive.
Primary Source & Application Link: TEFConnect (check the official Tony Elumelu Foundation website for the current cycle’s opening and closing dates). - Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS)
SMEDAN, a Federal Government Agency, focuses on boosting grassroots entrepreneurship by targeting micro and nano-enterprises at the local government level.
Description: A grant program designed specifically for “nano” and micro enterprise owners to formalize and boost their operations.
Support: Typically offers grants, with examples like ₦50,000 for micro-enterprises, often tied to registration and training.
Primary Source & Application Link: Apply via the official SMEDAN Registration Portal and check their opportunity announcements for the current Conditional Grant Scheme cycle. - GET Compass Grant Program
The GET Compass Grant Program is designed to help existing SMEs with a focus on scaling their operations and capacity.
Eligibility: SMEs in Nigeria that are scale-oriented, typically not more than 3 years old, and available for the required capacity-building workshops.
Support: Up to ₦2,000,000 in grant funding plus intensive workshops and capacity-building support.
Primary Source & Application Link: Visit the Grooming Endowment Trust (GET) website or check reputable opportunity platforms for the official application link and cohort details. - Youth Empowerment Nigeria – Petty Traders & Mini Entrepreneur Grant Support Programmes
These programmes aim to provide direct financial support to a broad range of Nigerian business owners, distinguishing between micro and slightly larger enterprises based on registration.
Description: Grants for existing or aspiring business owners in Nigeria, structured to cater to varying levels of formality.
Support:
Petty Traders: ₦10,000 to ₦100,000 (typically requires no formal Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration).
Mini Entrepreneur: ₦100,000 to ₦300,000 (often targets existing, more structured businesses).
Primary Source & Application Link: Check the Youth Empowerment Nigeria platform for detailed programme information and current application windows. - Targeted Women-Led Business Grants
A significant number of global and African foundations focus on economic empowerment by supporting women-led businesses.
Example: The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF): Offers grants to women-led organisations and projects across Africa, including Nigeria, with funding often structured for institutional support and project implementation.
Support: Grant sizes vary significantly depending on the programme, often ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for institutional/project grants.
Primary Source & Application Link: Consult the official AWDF Website for specific grant calls and detailed application guidelines for women-focused organisations.
Crucial Tips to Secure a Business Grant
To ensure your application stands out and significantly increases your chances of securing a Nigerian business grant, follow these preparation steps:
- Master the Eligibility Criteria
Grant providers have specific mandates. Check eligibility carefully as many grants target specific groups (e.g., women-led, youth, state-based, or certain industry sectors like AgriTech or Creative Arts). Applying when you don’t fully qualify is the fastest way to be disqualified. - Prepare Your Documentation
The level of required formality varies, but having your papers in order is non-negotiable for large grants.
Formal Grants (TEF, GET Compass): Will often require your business to be formally registered (CAC), have tax/identification documents, and a dedicated business bank account.
Grassroots Grants (Petty Trader): May be more relaxed, requiring only a valid means of identification and clear evidence of business activity. - Articulate Your Business Case and Impact
Grant committees want to invest in solutions, not just businesses. Tell your story and use the funds wisely. Your proposal must clearly demonstrate how the grant money will be used to achieve tangible results—whether to grow, sustain, or scale your business, create jobs, or generate positive impact your community. Focus on measurable outcomes. - Value the Non-Financial Support
Remember that training + support often included are often as valuable as the cash. Access to mentorship, business networks, and professional workshops can provide the strategy and connections needed for long-term survival and scaling. Highlight your willingness to engage with these resources in your application. - Be Vigilant and Timely
Deadlines matter: Set reminders and apply early. Some opportunities open only for a short period.
Be cautious of “grant fees” or “processing charges”: Legit grants typically don’t ask for large upfront fees to apply. Always verify the authenticity of a programme on the provider’s official website before making any payment.