This guide reveals top Nigerian grants you can apply for in 2025. Empower your business or project with the right funding.

Government grants in Nigeria, accessible to all, are financial awards given by government entities or institutions to support a specific project, individual, or business, and they don’t require repayment.

The Nigerian government’s funding is designed to support a wide range of sectors, fostering innovation and social impact. These sectors include businesses, community development, and health education, among others.

What are grants in general terms?

Many people usually have issues differentiating between grants and loans. Grants, essentially free money that doesn’t need to be paid back, have the potential to make a significant impact. They are provided for a specific purpose, like supporting a business or funding a research project within a community.

However, in the Nigerian humanitarian sector, the United Nations reports that nine hundred and ten million dollars is needed to support three million and six hundred people (3.6 million) in need in the northeast.

There are various sources of grants in Nigeria, providing a diverse range of opportunities.

International organizations: The World Bank, the United Nations, and the European Union provide grants for development projects in Nigeria.

Private Foundations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Many grants are offered by NGOs in Nigeria and private foundations to support specific causes and initiatives.

Government agencies: The federal government also offers brands to support different initiatives.

Corporate social responsibility: As part of some companies’ corporate social responsibility programs, they allocate funds for grants.

Top Grants in Nigeria

After having a word with Boyo Michael, the author and owner of Value hubspot, a fast rising finance and business blog in Nigeria, we came up with this topic to educate Nigerians on Grants in Nigeria to enable them make smart and wise decisions

Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship program

This is an African non-profit organization that was founded in 2010 by Tony O. Elumelu. Its headquarters is in Lagos, Nigeria. The foundation is also known as the pioneer member of the Global Impact Investment Rating System.

However, the entrepreneurship program is a ten-year initiative program that was designed to empower African entrepreneurs with the essential financial support and resources needed to build their businesses. The program is to mentor, then train for 12 weeks and seed capital for ten thousand (10,000) African entrepreneurs over the decade.

The initiative program targets entrepreneurs across all fifty-four (54) African countries with a focus on those that have scalable business ideas. Successful applicants received a capital of five thousand dollars ($5000) to help launch or grow their businesses.

The initiative opens the entrepreneur to a network of business startups and potential investors.

How to apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship grant

Every interested individual who is into small businesses should visit the TEFConnect.com platform to start with their application.

All interested businesses must complete the online application form by answering all mandatory questions accurately. The background of your business and its potential must be carefully detailed.

All candidates are to upload certain documents like ID, business registration, and some other documents requested.

Submit applications after completing all sections.

All people who applied will receive a confirmation email upon successful submission.

If a person’s application is deemed eligible, they will be shortlisted and invited to participate in the next phase of the program. This includes seed capital, training, and mentorship.

All interested candidates with business are to be aware that the application portal is open from January 1st to March 1st every year. Also, no application fee is required, and only one person from a business can apply.
Businesses that apply must not be older than five years in existence.

Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)

SMEDAN is a Nigerian program that helps small businesses to grow. They typically give grants through some specific initiatives from time to time, which could range between fifteen thousand naira (15,000) and two hundred and fifty thousand naira (250,000).

The grant aims to provide financial empowerment and skill development opportunities, which will contribute to economic growth through job creation.
However, SMEDAN offers a conditional grant scheme for microenterprises. Nano businesses often receive a grant of fifty thousand naira (50,000 naira) with a condition to employ a person.

How to apply for SMEDAN grants?

All candidates are to visit the official SMEDAN website to find information about the current grant opportunities.

All interested individuals are to check for the eligibility criteria for the specific grant they are interested in. The business type, location, and stage of development must be prioritised.

Do ensure that your business is registered with SMEDAN before applying for their support programs.

Gather necessary documents like CAC, if required, business plans, and other relevant documents.

Candidates are to submit their applications after filling in all the information.

SMEDAN specific grants

SMEDAN conditional grant scheme: The CGI is an initiative for microenterprises, and it may involve registering a designated SMEDAN platform or office.

SMEDAN select program: This program may or may not require the submission of a business plan and potential interviews.

The five billion student grant: This SMEDAN grant targets student entrepreneurs, and its method of application is through its official website.

Presidential conditional grant scheme (PCGS)

This is a Nigerian federal government program that is aimed at providing financial grants to nano businesses throughout Nigeria.

The presidential grant scheme provides a non-repayable grant of fifty thousand naira (50,000 naira) to eligible small businesses in various sectors. The outreach of this grant spans seventy percent of women and youth, ten percent of people with disabilities, and five percent of senior citizens.

This scheme aims to empower businesses from the grassroots level. However, the presidential grant’s entire process of getting funds takes a period of nine (9) to twelve (12) months.

How to apply for the Presidential Conditional Grant scheme

Check the eligibility criteria of your business and ensure it meets the criteria.

Candidates are to look for the official application portal to apply for the program.

Applicants are to gather the required documents, which include a national identification number, a bank verification number, proof of business address, and other relevant bank information.

Applicants are to complete their application form online and submit it through the designated channel.

Applicants are to follow up on the progress of their application.

African Business Euro grant

The European business grant typically provides support to businesses in Africa. The initiatives focus on areas like job creation, innovation, and sustainability. It aims to boost entrepreneurship and economic development in Africa.

Who can apply for this grant?

Applicants must be an African entrepreneur or business owner.

The business must be registered, and it must be operating in Africa.

Any business size can apply for this grant.

Individuals or organizations can apply. Examples are non-governmental organizations, social enterprises, etc.

How to apply for the African euro grant?

Applicants must identify a suitable grant of their choice. Be aware that it must align with your business objectives and also consider the requirements of the grant.

Applicants are to study the application process and understand the documents required. Afterwards, applicants must prepare each of the required documents according to the provided specifications.

Applicants must appropriately fill out the online form provided and also submit the required documents.

After a successful fill-in, apply. And afterward, follow up on the application. Applicants might be contacted for further clarification or additional information.

African Business Heroes grant (ABH)

This Business Heroes Grant is a philanthropic program of the Jack Ma Foundation to support African countries. The program offers 1.5 million dollars in grant funding. This sum of money is funded annually by ten outstanding entrepreneurs across the continent.
The program focuses on providing mentorships to the top businesses, also called the heroes. This would help improve the economy.

How to apply for the African Business Heroes Grant

All interested candidates are to visit the African Business Heroes official website to create an account.

Ensure to confirm your eligibility for the grant. Note that applicants must be founders or co-founders of a legally registered African business. They must be an African citizen, have market traction, and have three years of revenue.

Applicants are to complete the online application form by answering questions about the said business.

Applicants are to submit a video introduction of themselves as the founder. Optionally, applicants can include a customer testimonial and team introduction video.

Candidates are to submit their applications and follow up for feedback.

Bank of Industry Grant (BOI)

The Bank of Industry is a Nigerian platform that provides grants to support businesses in the industrial sector. They also help to stimulate development and economic growth.

However, the grant issued is to help small and medium businesses expand through financial support. The Bank of Industry provides different grants, which include the presidential conditional grants for nano businesses, youth-focused funds for young entrepreneurs, and sector-specific grants to support the solid minerals and creative industry.

Eligibility criteria to take the BOI grant.

It is a must for the business to be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Business sectors like agro-allied, textiles, leather, solid minerals, polymer-based industries, ICT, etc., are given preferences.

The business must at least demonstrate potential for growth and willingness to expand.

All candidates/applicants need to submit proof of residential address.

BVN, driver’s license, national ID, and passport photographs may be needed.

How to apply for the BOI grant

Make ready all the necessary registration documents, like a business name, a financial statement, a comprehensive business plan outline, a valid means of identification, guarantor forms and all other documents that are required.

All interested candidates are to apply online or in person. If online, visit the official Bank of Industry Grant website. If in person, individuals are to visit their regional office headquarters.

After filling in all the required details, proceed to apply online.

African Women Development Fund

This is a feminist non-governmental organization that operates throughout Africa. The grant organization is created to promote gender equality by providing vocational skills training and business to empower women.

How to apply for the African Women’s Development Fund

Business organizations must begin their applications by submitting a concept note that summarises their project, target beneficiaries, objectives, and outcomes.

If the concept note gets approved, the business organization will be invited to submit a full proposal. The proposal is all about detailed information about the project.

The business must submit the business registration and signed financial statement documents.

All applicants are therefore urged to submit their applications via the African Women Development Fund’s official website or email.

Eligibility criteria for the African Women Development Fund

Businesses must be based in Africa, and they must focus on women’s rights and gender equality.

Businesses must demonstrate a clear understanding of women’s needs in the community.

Growing businesses are encouraged to apply.

A woman must lead the business, and the majority of staff must be women, including board members.

Businesses must be registered in an African country. The business must also have existed for three (3) years.

Shell LiveWire Grant

The Shell LiveWire Grant for Nigeria targets both men and women aged 18-35 years, particularly in the Niger Delta region. The grant provides training, support, and mentorship to entrepreneurs.

The grant is focused on strengthening local economies through entrepreneurship. This program is active in eighteen (18) countries, and it has helped train thousands of people.

How to apply for the Shell LiveWIRE Grant

Individuals interested in this grant are to check for the requirements of the program they are interested in. The location, age, and business must be put into consideration.

The Shell LiveWire Grant often has different categories. Interested individuals are to select the categories of their choice, such as social impact, environmental sustainability, and business innovation.

Prepare application answers like needed documents to submit, financial projects and lots more.

All individuals are to submit their applications after filling out the form.

If selected, candidates may be invited to participate in an interview and provide a pitch to the judging panel.

Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF)

They help provide financial support to youth-led initiatives that are focused on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals at the grassroots level. The YEF aims to break down barriers to offer mentoring, funding, and capacity strengthening.

The YEF gives microgrants to individuals ranging between 500 euros and 1,500 euros. Over the years, five million dollars plus were invested in over six hundred and forty youths.

How to apply for the Youth Empowerment Fund

All candidates are to identify suitable programs for the type of business they are into.

Gather all the required personal information, business information, guarantors, and other supporting documents.

All candidates are expected to fill out all the required online application fields. Don’t rush it because it must be accurate.

Now submit your online submission through the official YEF portal.

All the shortlisted candidates are to attend the interview.

Follow up and await results.

Lagos State Entrepreneurs Trust Fund

It is a financial institution established by the Lagos State Government in 2016 to fight unemployment and promote entrepreneurship within the Lagos confinement.

The Lagos state government provided a capital of twenty-five (25) billion naira for four years. The initiative is for small and medium businesses to enable them to thrive.

How to apply for the Lagos State Entrepreneurs Trust Fund

All applicants are to visit the official Lagos State Entrepreneurs website.

Fill out the required application form online.

Individuals are to provide their LASSRA ID, tax ID, BVN, two passports, a six-month bank statement, and a vocational training certificate, and the business must have been existing for one year.

Make sure you enter all the information correctly and submit.

Grofin Fund

To support small businesses and growing businesses in Africa, the GroFin fund rolled out a grant that will support them financially and non-financially.

The funding often ranges between one hundred thousand dollars and one hundred fifty million dollars. They could also help with business development, market linkages, and management assistance.

How to apply for the GroFin fund

All interested candidates are to visit the official Grofin fund website to complete an online assessment. This assessment or test helps GroFin determine if the business aligns with its investment criteria.

The investment team will review the submitted assessment form. Applicants will be contacted whether they can proceed by the investment manager.

Once the application process is complete, it is then submitted to the finance committee for review. Funds are then disbursed upon acceptance.

Healthcare grants and support

Do you have projects or businesses relating to the health sector? If yes, then the healthcare grant is for you.

This initiative provides resources to individuals and organizations that need help with health-related research.

Funding could come from government agencies and private foundations, and they are essential for promoting public health.

Five (5) types of healthcare grants and support

Foundation grants: it is just like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; it is a private foundation that provides grants to support health initiatives like disease eradication.

Non-profit grants: Different organizations, like the Red Cross Society and local community health centers, may receive grants to fund their services or operations.

Research grants: investigations into diseases, healthcare delivery, and treatments are supported by this grant.

Maternal and child health grant: This initiative is there to help the health of mothers and children improve.

Community health grants: The initiative focuses on helping a specific community at a time to address issues like mental health, maternal health, and chronic disease.

How to apply for healthcare grants and support

All interested candidates are to visit the official websites, Grants.gov, GrantWatch, Foundation Centre, etc., to find the grant that matches their organization’s project focus.

Carefully look at the eligibility criteria like age, location, and project focus. Try to wrap your head around the application process, formatting instructions for documents, and the required documents.

Prepare a proposal that explains the healthcare problem the project addressed. Define the specific project goals and objectives.

All the strategies and methods that will be used to achieve the goal must be detailed.

Create a justified budget outline.

After successfully filling out the form, apply and await results.

Conclusion

Government grants in Nigeria are financial rewards given by the Nigerian government to its citizens. Small businesses and startups are given the chance to thrive through the financial support levied towards promising businesses to grow. Startups and small businesses are to ensure that their businesses have not exceeded five years, three years, or a year, depending on which grant they are settling for.

Grants could start from tens of thousands to millions. However, interested applicants are to make sure they apply and thoroughly fill out the forms before submitting their applications.
Do make sure to follow up on the application process so as not to lose important information.

FAQ

Where can I get a grant in Nigeria?

Grants can easily be gotten from any Nigerian government-approved initiatives, like the GroFin fund, healthcare grants, and support, the Youth Empowerment Fund, the Shell Livewire grant, etc.

What is the 50,000 grant in Nigeria?

This grant refers to the presidential conditional grant scheme already covered in this article. It is a federal government program aimed at supporting nano businesses. It is called a 50,000 naira grant because it only provides a one-time grant of 50,000 naira to eligible small business owners. The grant is directly paid into the account of the beneficiary.

Is there any CBN grant?

The central bank of Nigeria offers grants, although they are not often. The grants for Nigeria are particularly provided for research and development in the healthcare department to develop small, medium, and even micro businesses.

How to apply for the Theobarth Foundation Grant

The Theobarth Foundation Grant acronym TGF is stated to have been mentioned several times on Facebook, that their grant offering is up to 1.8 million naira for starting businesses.
However, this grant isn’t fully supported as accurate due to some fraudulent reports. To apply for this grant,

Individuals are to visit the official Theobarth Foundation Grant website.

Complete the registration form provided on the website and obtain a TGF ID number.

Apply through the website, get validated, and then wait for payment.