Last updated on February 2nd, 2021 at 10:42 am
Update: Application for StartUp Nigeria 2018 has closed, however you can book an advisory session.
Do you want your business to get funded, or you just want to connect with like minds, where you can win contracts from your creative innovations? StartUp Nigeria is for you.
Submission of applications began on April 7, but there is still time for you to apply, as application will be closing May 5, 2018.
What’s StartUp Nigeria?
Just like N-power Job programme, it’s another intervention programme of the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) under the Office of the Vice President aimed at supporting private sector innovation hubs for the strategic increase of entrepreneurial and technological capacity across Nigeria.
What makes the programme unique:
- It will help Nigerians with great innovative ideas
- It will provide training, and mentorship.
- There will be equity free funding to selected startups to help them find their footing and grow in Nigeria’s socio-economic terrain.
- Open space for young entrepreneurs to expand and be employer of labour
Two major areas:
- Idea Stage:
“If you are still at the idea stage of your product, you can apply to participate in the Startup Nigeria Hackathon from which you get a chance to qualify for incubation”
- Early Stage:
“If you have a startup with an MVP that falls into the listed sectors you can apply directly for incubation”
This means that every innovative minds who do not make it to the 3-month incubation program will also be able to access support in business model generation, customer acquisition and other business engineering skills – from Startup Nigeria representatives located in every state in the North Central and South Eastern zones of the country.
A similar programme called “StartUp Mambila $5,000 Funding” is ongoing in the North East geo-political zone of the country.
This time, the focus is on the North Central(FCT, Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa or Niger), and South East (Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia or Ebonyi)
How to Apply for the StartUp Idea Stage
Step 1:
There is a link under each of the two major areas of the programme, and click. For the purpose of this post, we’re using the idea stage.
Step 2:
You can use either your Facebook account to sign or your LinkedIn if you have one. If you’re on LinkedIn, it’s the best since it’s a platform that connects people with job and bushiness opportunities.
And click “Connect with Michael”
Step 3:
Create a team if you’re not alone, or fill the application form for yourself if it’s just you, and fill your profile, your business idea
Step 4:
Go back to the top of your page and add your skills, experience (what have you made?), education, and finally ask for recommendations, which makes those who need your service to connect with you.
And update your profile
Application closing date: May 5, 2018
If you have any business idea, you can apply for StartUp Nigeria advisory session.