The Federal Government is rolling out several programmes aimed at helping young Nigerians build businesses, develop practical skills and gain better access to funding.
For young entrepreneurs looking for financial support, one of the opportunities currently listed by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development is the SMEDAN Inspire, Create, Start, Scale (ICSS) Programme and GROW Fund.
The programme provides business training across different stages — from people with business ideas to entrepreneurs who already have operating businesses. According to the government’s Youth Initiative platform, participants who complete the required training can become eligible for GROW Fund financing, with the Scale track offering financing of up to ₦5 million.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is designed for Nigerians interested in starting or expanding a business. Its four stages — Inspire, Create, Start and Scale — are structured to support people at different points in their entrepreneurial journey.
Youth, women and graduates are among those prioritised for GROW Fund financing.
How the Programme Works
Applicants first participate in the business development and training components of the ICSS programme. The training is intended to help participants strengthen their business knowledge, understand their market and prepare their ventures for growth.
Those who meet the requirements can then become eligible for financing under
the GROW Fund. The available financing depends on the applicant’s business stage, with the Scale track offering between ₦1 million and ₦5 million.Importantly, the ₦5 million should not be described as an automatic grant for every applicant. The government platform describes the GROW Fund financing as single-digit-interest loans, meaning successful beneficiaries are expected to repay the funds under the applicable terms.
What Applicants Should Do
Interested entrepreneurs should begin by registering for the ICSS programme and completing the relevant training module for their business stage.
Applicants should also ensure that their business information and supporting documents are accurate and up to date before proceeding with any financing application.
Young entrepreneurs are advised to rely only on official government platforms and verified announcements when applying, as fake funding portals and fraudulent agents can circulate misleading information.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development continues to list entrepreneurship and access to finance among its key youth-development priorities.
For the latest application details, eligibility requirements and portal updates, applicants should check the Federal Government’s Youth Activities Dashboard and official programme announcements before submitting their information.
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