Home 100 Secret Government Loans & Grants Nigerian Businesses Can Tap in 2025

100 Secret Government Loans & Grants Nigerian Businesses Can Tap in 2025

(Verified 1 July 2025. Bookmark this page—we’ll keep updating it as programmes open and close.)

How to Use This Guide in 2 Minutes

Scan the headings that fit your business (federal, CBN, women-focused, state, etc.).
Skim each 50-word profile for ticket size, rate, and the single “unlock” tip.
Click the official link (every item has one) and prep the documents in the Final Checklist.
Apply this week—funds vanish fast once budgets are exhausted.

1 – 20 Federal Flagship Funds

#1 — Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS)

Ticket Size: ₦50,000 grant — no repayment.
Who It Fits: Nano-business owners (traders, artisans, market-stall operators) in all 774 LGAs.
Why It’s “Secret”: Most people don’t know the portal opens state-by-state at dawn; applying in the first 12 hours avoids wait-listing.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Sign up on pcgs.boi.ng and select your LGA.
Upload BVN, LASRRA/CAC (or trade licence) and a clear stall photo.
Enter the one-time OTP sent to the phone tied to your BVN.
Deadline: Rolling until the ₦50 billion budget exhausts (check portal banner).
Official Link: https://pcgs.boi.ng/

#2 — FGN / BOI ₦75 Billion MSME Intervention Fund

Ticket Size: ₦100,000 – ₦5 million @ 9 % p.a. (5-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Registered micro or small firms in any sector with verifiable cash flow.
Why It’s “Secret”: The scoring algorithm weighs the Business Plan section at 60 %—most applicants leave it half-done.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Create an account on fgnboimsmeinterventionloan.boi.ng.
Fill the full business-plan wizard (cash-flow table + staffing).
Submit and wait for an email to upload six-month bank statements.
Deadline: The Portal closes after the last ₦25 billion tranche (watch the countdown).
Official Link: https://fgnboimsmeinterventionloan.boi.ng/

#3 — SMEDAN Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS)

Ticket Size: ₦50,000 grant plus mentorship.
Who It Fits: Micro-enterprises earning < ₦2 million annually that can hire one extra staffer.
Why It’s “Secret”: Each LGA has only 1,000 slots—early registrants snap them up.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Visit smedan.gov.ng/cgs and create a profile.
Upload local-government ID and business-location photo.
Sign the digital undertaking to employ one person within 3 months.
Deadline: Opens quarterly; closes when your LGA quota fills.
Official Link: https://smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/cgs/

#4 — CBN Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) 2025 Top-Up

Ticket Size: Households ≤ ₦3 m; SMEs ≤ ₦25 m @ 5 % p.a. (3-year tenor).
Who It Fits: SMEs/households with a COVID-era revenue shock or a new expansion plan.
Why It’s “Secret”: A fresh ₦150 billion was added—banks still think it’s closed.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply via nmfb.com.ng/tcf with CAC/BVN and six-month statements.
Pick “top-up” if you borrowed before; this halves approval time.
Accept the offer letter in your NMFB dashboard within 24 h.
Deadline: Funds available until 31 Dec 2025 or when ₦150 billion is fully disbursed.
Official Link: cbn.gov.ng

#5 — CBN “100 for 100” Policy on Production & Export (PPP)

Ticket Size: Up to ₦20 billion @ 9 % p.a. (10-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Manufacturers committing ≥ 80 % local input and > 500 jobs.
Why It’s “Secret”: Every 100 days the slate resets—firms that track the calendar get multiple approvals.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Download the PPP form on cbn.gov.ng and fill CAPEX details.
Submit through your commercial-bank relationship manager.
Present your FX-earnings projection at CBN’s due-diligence call.
Deadline: New cycle opens every 100 days—next window date on CBN press page.
Official Link: bis.org

#6 — CBN Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF)

Ticket Size: ₦2 billion – ₦10 billion @ 5 % p.a. (≤ 10 year tenor).
Who It Fits: Large agro-processing, manufacturing, solid-minerals projects.
Why It’s “Secret”: Projects approved before 31 Dec 2025 enjoy a permanent 5 % rate—even after CBN revises rates.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Prepare a feasibility study with job-creation & FX-savings metrics.
Submit via your commercial bank using the RSSF application form.
Host a site visit within 14 days of CBN’s request.
Deadline: Applications accepted until 31 Dec 2025 (per guideline).
Official Link: cbn.gov.ng

#7 — NIRSAL Microfinance Bank AGSMEIS Loan

Ticket Size: ₦1 million – ₦10 million @ 5 % p.a. (7-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Registered SMEs in agro-processing, ICT, creative, manufacturing.
Why It’s “Secret”: Most applicants ignore the capacity-building certificate that unlocks fast-track approval—here’s how to get it in 48 h.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Enrol on nmfb.com.ng and pick your sector.
Upload CAC, TIN and the training certificate.
Book your BOA interview slot (sample questions inside).
Deadline: Rolling—apply before Q3 budget top-up expires.
Official Link: https://nmfb.com.ng/agsmeis

#8 — NIRSAL MFB Agric SME Loan

Ticket Size: ₦1 million – ₦6 million @ 9 % p.a. (5-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Smallholder clusters in crop or livestock value chains.
Why It’s “Secret”: GPS-tagged farm map + insurance bundle cuts collateral to zero.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register cluster on loans.nmfb.com.ng.
Upload GPS-enabled farm photos and farm-map PDF.
Select NIRSAL’s PAYG insurance and submit.
Deadline: Continuous; approvals pause once yearly quota fills.
Official Link: nibloans.nmfb.com.ng

#9 — Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Wholesale On-Lending

Ticket Size: Average ₦5 million (banks can lend up to ₦200 million) @ ≤ 10 %.
Who It Fits: Growth-stage SMEs with at least two years’ audited statements.
Why It’s “Secret”: Many banks never mention the DBN window—ask for it and insist on the rate.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Approach your bank and request the “DBN line”.
Submit audited accounts and cash-flow projection.
Sign DBN-specific term sheet your bank will upload.
Deadline: Year-round until bank’s limit with DBN maxes out.
Official Link: fgnboimsmeinterventionloan.boi.ng

#10 — Bank of Agriculture (BOA) SME Loan

Ticket Size: ₦250,000 – ₦5 million @ 9 % p.a. (4-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Agro-processors, agro-traders, input suppliers.
Why It’s “Secret”: Loans ≤ ₦1 million need only personal guarantee—no landed collateral.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Buy the ₦5,000 BOA form at any branch.
Attach CAC, three guarantors’ forms and passport photos.
Await BVN & CRMS clearance SMS, then sign offer.
Deadline: Monthly credit-committee cycle; submit by 25th for current month.
Official Link: https://www.boanig.com/

#11 — National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) 2025

Ticket Size: ₦250,000 grant +₦500 000 loan @ 5 % p.a. (5 years).
Who It Fits: Nigerians aged 18-35 with a registered business or solid idea.
Why It’s “Secret”: Scoring gives +20 % if you upload a digital-skills certificate—few do.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register on nyif.nmfb.com.ng with NIN & BVN.
Complete the online entrepreneurship test (30 min).
If shortlisted, upload business plan and wait for SMS.
Deadline: Batch window closes 31 Aug 2025 (per ministry notice).
Official Link: naijapreneur.com

#12 — CBN Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Scheme (TIES)

Ticket Size: Up to ₦5 million @ 5 % p.a. (5-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Final-year students & graduates (≤ 7 years) in teams of 2-5.
Why It’s “Secret”: Campus innovation-hub endorsement letter halves collateral.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Create profile on ties.cbn.gov.ng.
Upload degree certificate/ID, business canvass & endorsement letter.
Record and upload a 2-minute elevator-pitch video.
Deadline: 30 Sep 2025 for 2025 cohort.
Official Link: naijapreneur.com

#13 — CBN Health Sector Intervention Facility (HSIF)

Ticket Size: ₦100 million – ₦3 billion @ 5 % p.a. (10-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Hospitals, labs, pharmaceutical & medical-device manufacturers.
Why It’s “Secret”: Projects with a foreign OEM supply-agreement skip the board-approval backlog.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Get pro-forma invoices from recognised OEMs.
Apply through your bank with HSIF form and invoices attached.
Prepare for joint CBN-bank site inspection within 21 days.
Deadline: Facility runs until N100 billion envelope fully booked.
Official Link: cbn.gov.ng

#14 — CBN Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS)

Ticket Size: Up to ₦2 billion @ 9 % p.a. (7-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Medium/large commercial farms, processors, integrated projects.
Why It’s “Secret”: Collateral can be warehouse receipts—most applicants assume land is mandatory.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Draft feasibility & cash-flow, route through your bank.
Bank uploads proposal on the CACS portal.
Sign CBN’s Tripartite Agreement once approval mail arrives.
Deadline: Open-ended; CBN disburses quarterly.
Official Link: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/DFD/agriculture/cacs.html

#15 — CBN Solar Connection Facility

Ticket Size: Up to ₦500 million @ 5 % p.a. (10-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Mini-grid developers, solar-home-system assemblers, EPC firms.
Why It’s “Secret”: Bundling productive-use appliances (e.g., solar cold-rooms) earns an extra 1-pt score.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Prepare load profile & financial model using CBN template.
Submit via PFIs listed on cbn.gov.ng/solar.
After approval, upload REA site-verification report.
Deadline: Facility open until December 2025.
Official Link: nationalplanning.gov.ng

#16 — CBN Non-Interest Accelerated Agric Development Scheme (AADS-NIB)

Ticket Size: Up to ₦3 million profit-sharing (Mudarabah) finance (6-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Youth clusters (18-35) cultivating at least 5 ha collectively.
Why It’s “Secret”: Group guarantee replaces collateral—most youths give up at the “collateral” stage.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Form cluster and register cooperative at CAC.
Apply via a Non-Interest Financial Institution (e.g., Jaiz Bank).
Upload farm-allotment agreement and NIRSAL insurance.
Deadline: New batches every quarter until 2026.
Official Link: nationalplanning.gov.ng

#17 — CBN MSME Development Fund (MSMEDF)

Ticket Size: ₦500,000 – ₦5 million @ 9 % p.a. (3-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Microfinance-bank customers, 60 % reserved for women/youth.
Why It’s “Secret”: MFIs can apply any day—find one with unused CBN limit.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Open an account with an MFI that on-lends MSMEDF.
Submit a simple business plan & guarantor form.
MFI uploads details to CBN MSMEDF portal; funds land in 5 d.
Deadline: Continuous; closes when ₦220 billion fund rotates out.
Official Link: nationalplanning.gov.ng

#18 — SMEDAN / BOA ₦1 Million Matching Fund

Ticket Size: Flat ₦1 million working-capital loan @ 8 % p.a. (30-month tenor).
Who It Fits: Micro-manufacturers and processors already registered on SMEDAN MSME portal.
Why It’s “Secret”: Uploading a pitch deck adds 10 bonus points—few bother because it’s “optional”.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Login at smedanregister.ng and click “Matching Fund”.
Upload deck + basic KYC docs.
Await BOA credit-call for co-signing offer.
Deadline: Batch closes once each state’s ₦40 million allocation is booked.
Official Link: https://smedanregister.ng

#19 — Export Expansion Grant (EEG) 2025

Ticket Size: 5 % – 15 % rebate on FOB export value (paid as Export Credit Certificate).
Who It Fits: Non-oil exporters with audited export sales ≥ ₦100 million.
Why It’s “Secret”: The entire process is now digital—no “consultant” middleman needed.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register on eeg.nepc.gov.ng with NEPC licence.
Upload audited accounts and export proceeds receipts.
Track approval & ECC issuance in dashboard; redeem at FIRS.
Deadline: Submit 2024 export claims by 30 Sept 2025.
Official Link: boi.ng

#20 — CBN Credit Guarantee Company Pilot (NCGC)

Ticket Size: 80 % guarantee on loans ≤ ₦100 million (cover fee 1 %).
Who It Fits: SMEs with good cash flow but weak collateral.
Why It’s “Secret”: Launches May 2025—lenders are still onboarding; early users face zero backlog.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Secure a bank offer letter for the desired loan.
Ask the bank to route it through NCGC portal for a guarantee.
Pay 1 % cover fee once NCGC approves; loan disburses.
Deadline: Pilot phase runs May-Dec 2025.
Official Link: (Via your commercial bank once live)

21 – 40 CBN & Development Finance Windows

#21 — Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) “Exit-Year Restructure”

Ticket Size: Cluster loans ≤ ₦250k per smallholder, single-digit rate (18-month tenor).
Who It Fits: Rice, maize, wheat, sorghum, and cotton out-grower groups tied to licensed off-takers.
Why It’s “Secret”: CBN has stopped taking new ABP applications but is refinancing legacy clusters—banks aren’t advertising it.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Get your anchor company to submit the cluster’s reconciliation sheet to its bank.
Farmers sign new offer letters uploaded to the ABP portal.
Bank reschedules the outstanding balance at the slimmer “exit-year” rate.
Deadline: 31 December 2025 (final wind-down notice).
Official Link: Via the anchor’s commercial bank ABP desk.

#22 — Targeted Credit Facility Plus (TCF+)

Ticket Size: Households ≤ ₦3 m; SMEs ≤ ₦25 m @ 5 % p.a. (three-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Tech-enabled exporters and firms still rebounding from COVID shocks.
Why It’s “Secret”: A fresh ₦150 bn top-up was added in April 2025 but the page still carries the old 2020 date—most founders think it’s closed.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register on nmfb.com.ng/tcf and mark “Top-Up/Plus”.
Upload CAC and 6-month statements.
Accept e-offer within 24 h of approval.
Deadline: 31 Dec 2025 or when the ₦150 bn is booked.
Official Link: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/DFD/msmes/tcf.html

#23 — CBN “100-for-100” Production & Export (PPP) – Phase III

Ticket Size: Up to ₦20 bn @ 9 % p.a. (10-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Large manufacturers committing ≥ 80 % local inputs and hard-currency exports.
Why It’s “Secret”: The list resets every 100 days; firms tracking the calendar can win multiple approvals.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Fill PPP form, attach FX-earnings projection.
Route through your relationship bank to CBN.
Defend numbers in CBN due-diligence call.
Deadline: Next window opens 1 August 2025.
Official Link: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/

#24 — Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF) – “Green Track”

Ticket Size: ₦2 bn – ₦10 bn @ 5 % p.a. (≤ 10 yrs).
Who It Fits: Agro-processing, manufacturing, solid-minerals projects with ESG upgrades.
Why It’s “Secret”: Projects approved before 31 Dec 2025 keep the 5 % rate for life even if CBN hikes later.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Prepare feasibility study highlighting CO₂ savings.
Submit via bank’s RSSF desk.
Host joint CBN-bank site visit within 14 days.
Deadline: 31 Dec 2025.
Official Link: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/DFD/manufacturing/rssf-dcrr.html

#25 — CBN Healthcare R&D Grant

Ticket Size: ₦50 m non-repayable grant (phase 1); up to ₦500 m concessional loan (phase 2).
Who It Fits: University–industry consortia working on diagnostics, vaccines, phytomedicines.
Why It’s “Secret”: Applicants with completed pre-clinical data jump to the front—few have it ready.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Download HSRDIS form and attach ethics-approval letter.
Submit to [email protected].
Pitch at quarterly review panel (10-slide deck).
Deadline: 30 September 2025 for the current call.
Official Link: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/DFD/health/hsrdis.html

#26 — Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF 2025)

Ticket Size: Bank loans up to ₦50 m guaranteed 75 %.
Who It Fits: Farmers, processors, aggregators in any crop or livestock value chain.
Why It’s “Secret”: Banks can now file guarantees digitally in 48 h—most branches still use paper.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Secure term-sheet from your bank.
Bank lodges e-guarantee request on ACGSF portal.
Pay 1 % guarantee fee once CBN approves.
Deadline: Rolling.
Official Link: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/DFD/agriculture/acgsf.html

#27 — SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS)

Ticket Size: 80 % guarantee on loans ≤ ₦100 m (tenor ≤ 7 yrs).
Who It Fits: Manufacturing, IT, agro-processing SMEs with growth traction.
Why It’s “Secret”: The ₦200 bn fund is underdrawn—ask your bank and insist on SMECGS tagging to slash collateral.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Get a bank offer letter referencing SMECGS.
Bank files guarantee request to CBN.
Pay 0.75 % risk-premium after approval.
Deadline: Open until the ₦200 bn envelope is fully used.
Official Link: CBN Circular BSD/DIR/SMECGS

#28 — National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) Pilot

Ticket Size: 80 % guarantee on loans ≤ ₦100 m; cover-fee 1 %.
Who It Fits: SMEs with steady cash-flow but weak collateral.
Why It’s “Secret”: Launches May 2025; early users face zero backlog as banks onboard.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Obtain loan offer from a participating bank.
Bank routes request through NCGC platform.
Pay cover-fee after e-approval; loan disburses.
Deadline: Pilot runs May – Dec 2025.
Official Link: Via your commercial bank.

#29 — Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP)

Ticket Size: Salary-backed loans up to ₦10 m @ 18 % APR (up to 48 months).
Who It Fits: Employees earning ≥ ₦75 k/month; youth corps batch receiving voucher in July 2025.
Why It’s “Secret”: 400 k youth to get fast-track slots in July 2025—most are unaware they can pre-register now.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Create profile on credicorp.ng with BVN.
Upload payslip and employer code.
Choose marketplace vendor or cash-to-wallet option.
Deadline: First youth window closes 31 July 2025.
Official Link: https://credicorp.ng

#30 — IFC–CBN Local-Currency Supply-Chain Finance Facility

Ticket Size: Banks can refinance SME receivables; typical on-lending ≈ ₦50 m @ ≤ 10 %.
Who It Fits: Export-oriented SMEs supplying large corporates.
Why It’s “Secret”: Announced Oct 2024; banks are still signing MOUs, so early adopters get priority limits.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Ask your bank’s trade-finance desk for the IFC SCF window.
Submit invoices and supply contracts.
Bank discounts invoices; IFC refinances in naira.
Deadline: Ongoing; facility size $1 bn over three years.
Official Link: IFC press page.

#31 — Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI)

Ticket Size: ₦3 m – ₦500 m @ 9 % p.a. (up to 10 yrs).
Who It Fits: Fashion labels, music studios, film producers, IT startups.
Why It’s “Secret”: Loans above ₦50 m must include export revenue projection—most creatives skip this and get bounced.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Prepare business plan + projection.
Submit through your commercial bank’s “CIFI” desk.
Upload collateral docs; sign CBN/Bank tripartite agreement.
Deadline: Continuous until ₦22.9 bn seed fund revolves.
Official Link: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/DFD/msmes/cifi.html

#32 — Solar Connection Facility (Green Energy Fund)

Ticket Size: Up to ₦500 m @ 5 % p.a. (10 yrs; 12-month moratorium).
Who It Fits: Mini-grid developers, solar-home-system assemblers, EPC firms.
Why It’s “Secret”: Adding productive-use appliances (e.g., solar cold rooms) gives a scoring bonus.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Build financial model with NEP load profile.
Submit via any of the 9 pre-qualified PFIs.
Upload Rural Electrification Agency verification report.
Deadline: Facility open till Dec 2025.
Official Link: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/DFD/energy/scf.html

#33 — Commodity Warehouse-Receipt Discount Window

Ticket Size: Loans up to 70 % of stored commodity value @ 7 % p.a. (12 months).
Who It Fits: Grain aggregators and processors using licensed warehouses.
Why It’s “Secret”: CBN’s 2024 food-security brief quietly revived warehouse-receipt finance—banks seldom publicise it.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Store produce in NCX-accredited warehouse; get e-receipt.
Take receipt to participating bank’s agrifinance desk.
Bank lodges discount request with CBN for 2 % rebate.
Deadline: Rolling; receipts must mature before next harvest cycle.
Official Link: Via NCX & participating banks.

#34 — Oil & Gas Local-Content Intervention Fund (NCDMB/CBN)

Ticket Size: Up to ₦5 bn @ 8 % p.a. (7-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Indigenous service companies fabricating, manufacturing or leasing assets.
Why It’s “Secret”: Projects showing ≥ 50 % Nigerian ownership get a 1 % interest rebate—few highlight this KPI.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Prepare local-content plan; submit via BOI.
BOI forwards to NCDMB for concurrence.
Sign loan agreement and draw down in tranches.
Deadline: Continuous until $300 m fund cycles.
Official Link: https://ncdmb.gov.ng/nci-fund

#35 — Non-Interest SME Window (Mudarabah)

Ticket Size: Up to ₦2 m profit-sharing finance (3-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Micro-SMEs preferring Sharia-compliant funding.
Why It’s “Secret”: Group-guarantee clusters replace collateral—conventional banks rarely mention it.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Open account with a listed Non-Interest Financial Institution (e.g., Jaiz, TAJ).
Submit business plan; bank files restricted-Mudarabah with CBN.
Sign profit-sharing ratio and start drawdown.
Deadline: Continuous.
Official Link: CBN MSMEDF-NIFI Guidelines.

#36 — MSME Development Fund – Women Sub-Pool

Ticket Size: ₦500k – ₦5 m @ 9 % p.a. (3 yrs).
Who It Fits: Women-owned enterprises across all sectors.
Why It’s “Secret”: 60 % of the ₦220 bn fund is ring-fenced for women, yet uptake lags target.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Open account with an MFI that draws MSMEDF.
Submit simple cash-flow and two guarantors.
MFI uploads to CBN; loan lands in 5 days.
Deadline: Ongoing until fund recycles.
Official Link: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/DFD/msmes/msmedf.html

#37 — Textile Revival Facility

Ticket Size: Up to ₦10 bn @ 4.5 % p.a. (10 yrs).
Who It Fits: Cotton ginneries, spinning, weaving, garment factories using ≥ 50 % local cotton.
Why It’s “Secret”: 30 % of capex can be converted to a grant if factory hits export quota in year 3.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Prepare plant-upgrade plan; route through BOI.
BOI submits to CBN Textile Desk for no-objection.
Sign offer at 4.5 % and draw down equipment LC.
Deadline: Disbursement window ends 31 Dec 2026.
Official Link: BOI Textile SME Portal.

#38 — Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) – Early-Stage Mining Loan

Ticket Size: ₦200 m – ₦2 bn @ 9 % (up to 7 yrs).
Who It Fits: Junior exploration and small-scale miners with JORC-compliant resource.
Why It’s “Secret”: Fund now accepts royalty-stream security—banks rarely know this structure.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Submit scoping-study and environmental plan on smdf.gov.ng.
Present at quarterly investment committee pitch.
Finalise debenture & royalty deed before first draw.
Deadline: Next committee sits 15 September 2025.
Official Link: https://smdf.gov.ng

#39 — Energy Transition Financing Facility (CNG/EV Track)

Ticket Size: Up to ₦500 m @ 5 % p.a. (7 yrs).
Who It Fits: CNG conversion centres, EV assembly lines, battery-swap operators.
Why It’s “Secret”: Projects that bundle driver-training & after-sales get a 0.5 % rate rebate.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Build capex plan aligned with PCNGI roadmap.
Apply via any of the 6 CBN-listed PFIs.
Upload OEM agreements and PCNGI endorsement.
Deadline: Facility runs 2024-2028.
Official Link: PCNGI finance portal.

#40 — Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN) Seed-Grant 2025

Ticket Size: ₦1 m grant + mentorship (equity-free).
Who It Fits: Female-led mining cooperatives, gemstone processors, safety-equipment suppliers.
Why It’s “Secret”: Only 200 slots nationwide and application link is shared first via WIMIN blog before going public.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Join WIMIN mailing list at wimng.org.
Upload business concept note and community-impact statement.
Record a 90-second video pitch and submit before the timer hits zero.
Deadline: 31 August 2025.
Official Link: https://wimng.org

41 – 60 Women & Youth Focused Funds

#41 — Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A)

Ticket Size: €10,000 seed grant + up to €50 000 follow-on (equity-free).
Who It Fits: Female founders already in the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) alumni network scaling green or high-growth ventures.
Why It’s “Secret”: Only TEF alumnae can apply, and just 15 of the 120 participants get the €50k growth cheque.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Log in to the TEF portal and select “WE4A”.
Upload pitch deck + last 6-month traction metrics.
Complete EU impact questionnaire and submit.
Deadline: 31 August 2025.
Official Link: https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/women-entrepreneurship-for-africa

#42 — Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP 2025)

Ticket Size: US $5,000 non-repayable seed + 12-week virtual accelerator.
Who It Fits: Early-stage African founders (any sector) with a viable business idea or ≤ 3-year-old venture.
Why It’s “Secret”: Applicants who finish every module in the digital training score +20 pts—many drop off midway.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Create profile on tefconnect.com and fill 7-part form.
Upload one-page financials + 60-sec video pitch.
Complete the mandatory aptitude test (once only).
Deadline: 1 October 2025.
Official Link: https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/tef-entrepreneurship-programme

#43 — She Leads Africa Accelerator Grant

Ticket Size: ₦2 million equity-free for the top startup + mini-grants (₦500k–₦1.5 m) for runners-up.
Who It Fits: Women-led, revenue-generating Nigerian startups in tech, fashion, agri-business, education, etc.
Why It’s “Secret”: Final demo-day scores weight unit-economics 40 %—many founders pitch only vision and lose points.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Submit application on sheleadsafrica.org/accelerator.
Upload 12-month P&L + customer-traction proof.
Attend virtual boot-camp; top 5 pitch at demo day in Lagos.
Deadline: 30 June 2025.
Official Link: https://bet9jafoundation.org/blog?slug=top-5-grants-for-women-entrepreneurs-in-2025-how-to-qualify-apply

#44 — BOI Women in Business (WIN) Fund

Ticket Size: Up to ₦50 million @ single-digit for asset purchase (≤ 3 yr tenor).
Who It Fits: Women-owned SMEs needing machinery, vehicles or plant upgrade.
Why It’s “Secret”: Applications routed via BOI branch “Gender Desk” skip the usual credit queue.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Download WIN form on boi.ng and fill asset list.
Attach vendor pro-forma invoice + CAC docs.
Submit at any BOI branch for gender-desk appraisal.
Deadline: Rolling until ₦10 bn envelope is booked.
Official Link: https://articles.connectnigeria.com/union-bank-intervention-funds-dbn-boi-for-women/

#45 — FCMB SheVentures Zero-Interest Loan

Ticket Size: ₦5 million, 0 % for first 3 months, then 9 % p.a. (12-month tenor).
Who It Fits: Female-owned startups & MSMEs across Nigeria.
Why It’s “Secret”: Only the first 1 000 approved each cohort get the 0 % promo.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Sign up at fcmb.com/she-ventures.
Upload bank statements + valid ID.
Attend compulsory digital-skills webinar and accept term sheet.
Deadline: Next cohort opens 15 July 2025.
Official Link: https://www.fcmb.com/she-ventures

#46 — Access Bank “W Initiative” Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton

Ticket Size: ₦9 million grant pool for top 3 winners + mini-MBA for 50 finalists.
Who It Fits: Women-led businesses ≥ 1 yr old with growth potential.
Why It’s “Secret”: Grants stack with Access Bank’s discounted loan—few founders claim both.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply on womenpreneur.ng with 60-sec video pitch.
Complete IFC-backed mini-MBA online modules.
Pitch live to jury in Lagos.
Deadline: 31 July 2025.
Official Link: https://www.womenpreneur.ng

#47 — BOI Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES-P)

Ticket Size: ₦500k – ₦2 million @ 9 % p.a. (3-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Nigerians aged 18-35 with a viable business plan.
Why It’s “Secret”: Completing BOI’s free online entrepreneurship course unlocks automatic 10-pt bonus.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register on boi.ng/yes-p and finish e-learning modules.
Upload feasibility study + guarantor form.
Sit virtual panel interview and await offer e-mail.
Deadline: Quarterly intakes—next batch closes 30 September 2025.
Official Link: fundsforngos.org

#48 — CBN Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS) – Youth Track

Ticket Size: Up to ₦3 million @ 5 % p.a. (6-year Mudarabah or 9 % conventional).
Who It Fits: Youth clusters (18-35) farming ≥ 5 ha collectively.
Why It’s “Secret”: Group-guarantee replaces collateral; most young farmers drop out at the collateral stage.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register cooperative at CAC and secure state-cleared land.
Apply via partner bank using AADS guidelines.
Upload NIRSAL insurance & land agreement.
Deadline: Rolling—funds rotate each planting season.
Official Link: cbn.gov.ng

#49 — African Development Bank Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB)

Ticket Size: US $100 million AfDB credit line to banks; SMEs can draw loans up to ₦100 million at ≤ 12 % p.a.
Who It Fits: Youth- and women-led MSMEs needing growth capital.
Why It’s “Secret”: Scheme isn’t live in most branches—ask your bank for “YEIB window” to tap early allocations.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Secure bank offer letter tagged “YEIB”.
Bank lodges request with AfDB-managed guarantee pool.
Sign AfDB compliance covenants and draw funds.
Deadline: Facility runs 2025-2028.
Official Link: msmeafricaonline.com

#50 — SMEDAN “One Million Youths by 2027” Micro-Grant

Ticket Size: ₦150,000 starter kit + six-month mentorship.
Who It Fits: Unemployed Nigerians 18-30 with a new business idea in tech, creative, agri or services.
Why It’s “Secret”: Applications open state-by-state for only seven days—many miss their window.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Sign up on smedan.gov.ng/talent-hunt.
Upload idea concept note & video elevator pitch.
Take 25-question aptitude test online.
Deadline: Your state portal closes 7 days after launch; nation-wide rollout ends Q4 2025.
Official Link: smedan.org

#51 — NITDA Technology Innovation Grant

Ticket Size: Up to ₦10 million equity-free for prototype or MVP build-out.
Who It Fits: Nigerian tech startups < 3 yrs old in AI, IoT, cyber-security, gov-tech.
Why It’s “Secret”: Applicants that embed indigenous language support get preference—most ignore this criterion.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Sign up on ondi.nitda.gov.ng/grants.
Upload pitch deck + 2-min demo video.
Attend virtual defence before NITDA panel.
Deadline: 30 September 2025.
Official Link: allmedia24.com

#52 — Google for Startups Black Founders Fund Africa (Nigeria Track)

Ticket Size: US $150,000 equity-free + Cloud credits & mentorship.
Who It Fits: Black-led, tech-driven startups with demonstrated traction.
Why It’s “Secret”: Founders who nominate another startup gain referral points—rarely used.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply on startup.google.com/black-founders-fund.
Upload data-room link (financials + cap table).
Participate in 30-min Google Meet interview.
Deadline: 15 August 2025.
Official Link: startup.google.com

#53 — Microsoft GrowthX Accelerator (MEA)

Ticket Size: US $25,000 Azure credits convertible to cash-equivalent + 10-week equity-free accelerator.
Who It Fits: Seed-to-Series A SaaS, AI or B2B startups with enterprise use-cases.
Why It’s “Secret”: Startups that integrate Copilot APIs during the cohort get direct Microsoft Marketplace exposure.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Submit deck at microsoft.com/startups/growthx.
Complete technical readiness form.
Join virtual pitch; finalists attend in-person Demo Day (Dubai).
Deadline: 12 September 2025.
Official Link: microsoft.com

#54 — Orange Corners Nigeria Innovation Fund (OCIF)

Ticket Size: Up to €50 000 (mix of grant + soft loan) per startup; Prototype vouchers of €5 000 for early stage.
Who It Fits: Young founders (18-35) graduating from Orange Corners incubation in Lagos or Abuja.
Why It’s “Secret”: Only 3–5 startups per cohort win the €50 k—selection happens at the very last pitch night.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Finish 6-month Orange Corners incubation.
Submit capital-needs statement to OCIF.
Pitch to expert jury; sign hybrid grant/loan agreement.
Deadline: Pitch night dates vary—next Abuja cohort ends 30 November 2025.
Official Link: opportunitydesk.org

#55 — MTN Y’ellopreneur Grant

Ticket Size: ₦2 million grant + low-interest loan option; 1,000 women to be trained annually.
Who It Fits: Female micro-entrepreneurs in trade, production or services.
Why It’s “Secret”: Participants that hit 80 % training attendance auto-qualify for the grant shortlist.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply on mtn.ng/foundation/yellopreneur.
Complete online business-management course.
Upload simple business plan & bank BVN.
Deadline: 31 July 2025.
Official Link: https://www.mtn.ng/foundation/yellopreneur

#56 — Ecobank Fintech Challenge

Ticket Size: US $50,000 equity investment for winner + Pan-African sandbox access.
Who It Fits: African fintech startups in payments, lending, reg-tech, trade finance.
Why It’s “Secret”: Applicants integrating Pan-African Payment & Settlement System (PAPSS) get extra scoring points.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply at ecobankfintechchallenge.com.
Upload MVP demo + API architecture.
Pitch at final in Lomé; top 3 enter Ecobank Accelerator.
Deadline: 30 June 2025.
Official Link: ecobankfintechchallenge.com

#57 — Seedstars Lagos Competition

Ticket Size: Chance to win up to US $500,000 global investment; local winner gets mentorship & travel grant.
Who It Fits: Early-stage (< 2 yrs) Nigerian startups that have raised < US $500k and built an MVP.
Why It’s “Secret”: Only one Lagos winner fast-tracks to Seedstars Global—85 % of applicants think multiple slots exist.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register on seedstars.com/events/lagos.
Upload investor deck + traction KPIs.
Pitch at Lagos boot-camp; winner secures Swiss finals ticket.
Deadline: 15 August 2025.
Official Link: smesouthafrica.co.za

#58 — MEST Africa Challenge (MAC)

Ticket Size: US $50,000 equity for continental winner + 1-yr post-investment support.
Who It Fits: Seed-stage tech startups across Africa with at least one female co-founder preferred.
Why It’s “Secret”: Startups submitting agri-tech impact metrics weigh higher in 2025 theme.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply on mestafrica.org/challenge.
Complete online market-fit sprint.
Pitch at national finals; national winners compete at Accra grand final.
Deadline: 4 October 2025.
Official Link: mestafrica.medium.com

#59 — Pitch2Win Nigeria Startup Competition

Ticket Size: US $10,000 equity-free (2025 edition) + investor meetings; prior editions shared ₦10 m+ in cash.
Who It Fits: Nigerian tech startups with MVP & traction looking for visibility.
Why It’s “Secret”: Submitting Japan market expansion idea earns bonus—the top 3 get IVS Kyoto trip.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply at techcircle.ng/pitch2win.
Upload deck & 2-min demo video.
Pitch live in Lagos on 30 July 2025.
Deadline: 10 July 2025 (application cut-off).
Official Link: techcircle.ng

#60 — Ashoka Young Changemakers / Social Innovators Fund – Nigeria

Ticket Size: ₦1 million grant + 12-month mentoring for each young social innovator.
Who It Fits: Nigerians aged ≤ 21 leading community-impact ventures.
Why It’s “Secret”: Application link is first e-mailed to Ashoka Youth Hub mailing list—not public for 48 h.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Join mailing list via ashoka.org/young-changemakers.
Upload impact video (≤ 3 min) + reference letters.
Attend peer-review selection festival in Lagos.
Deadline: 31 August 2025.
Official Link: punchng.com

61 – 80 Sector-Specific Funds

#61 — NCDMB Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) – Oil & Gas

Ticket Size: ₦50 million – ₦5 billion @ 8 % p.a. (up to 7-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Indigenous service companies and community contractors executing upstream, midstream or downstream contracts.
Why It’s “Secret”: The Community Contractors window was revamped in July 2025—borrowing limit doubled to ₦100 million and collateral terms relaxed, but most SMEs still quote the 2018 rules.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Download the NCIF form from ncdmb.gov.ng and list your live purchase order.
Submit through Bank of Industry (BOI) with cash-flow and local-content plan.
Host a joint NCDMB/BOI site-visit within 14 days of query letter.
Deadline: Rolling until the ₦50 billion envelope recycles.
Official Link: https://ncdmb.gov.ng/ncif

#62 — NCDMB Research & Development Fund

Ticket Size: Up to US $250,000 grant (phase I); concessional loan to US $1 million (phase II, 5 % p.a.).
Who It Fits: University–industry consortia developing oil-and-gas tech (sensors, polymers, IoT, AI).
Why It’s “Secret”: A US $50 million fund created in 2020 still has > 60 % headroom—few academics know about the commercialisation loans.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Download R&D proposal form; attach ethics approval & TRL evidence.
E-mail to [email protected] before the quarterly cut-off.
Pitch at Triple Helix panel (10-slide deck + demo).
Deadline: 30 September 2025 call closes.
Official Link: https://ncdmb.gov.ng/research-and-development

#63 — All On / USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge

Ticket Size: US $100,000 (50 % grant, 50 % equity/loan).
Who It Fits: Nigerian-owned off-grid solar, mini-grid, battery-storage start-ups serving un-electrified communities.
Why It’s “Secret”: 2025 cohort will award up to US $250,000 per company, but the RFP still shows “$100 k”—many founders think the cap hasn’t moved.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Fill online form at all-on.com/offgrid-challenge; upload 3-year financial model.
Submit owners’ passports + CAC docs.
Record 3-min pitch video and share on the portal before hitting “finalise”.
Deadline: 15 August 2025.
Official Link: https://www.all-on.com

#64 — Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC) Catalytic Fund

Ticket Size: ₦20 million grant + acceleration support.
Who It Fits: Early-stage Nigerian cleantech businesses in waste-to-energy, climate-smart agri, circular economy.
Why It’s “Secret”: Only NCIC incubatees can apply—external founders rarely realise the intake cycle gives them a shot at the fund.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Enrol in NCIC incubation at nigeriacic.org/apply.
Upload traction metrics and SDG-impact statement.
Pitch at Demo Day; top 10 receive catalytic cheques.
Deadline: Incubation applications close 31 July 2025.
Official Link: https://nigeriacic.org

#65 — REA Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) Performance-Based Grant

Ticket Size: US $350 per verified connection (paid post-installation).
Who It Fits: Mini-grid developers electrifying off-grid communities.
Why It’s “Secret”: Grant now pays within 30 days via Odyssey portal—many EPCs still plan for 90-day cash gaps.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register project on odysseyenergysolutions.com.
Upload engineering design & community consent letter.
After commissioning, submit smart-meter data for verification and trigger payout.
Deadline: Grant window runs until World-Bank NEP funds deplete (target Q4 2026).
Official Link: https://rea.gov.ng/minigrids

#66 — African Mobility Initiative Grant

Ticket Size: US $40,000 equity-free seed.
Who It Fits: Start-ups piloting e-mobility (e-bikes, battery swap, EV chargers) in Lagos or Abuja.
Why It’s “Secret”: The RfP (March 2025) lists Nigeria as priority country #1, but it’s buried inside a 60-page PDF few founders read. africanclimatefoundation.org
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Download RfP and concept-note template.
Submit 5-page concept + budget via e-mail before the soft deadline.
Shortlisted teams pitch live at the Kigali Africa Mobility Summit.
Deadline: 31 August 2025.
Official Link: (PDF link in the RfP)

#67 — Farm-to-Market Alliance (FTMA) Agri-Finance Grant

Ticket Size: US $100,000 blended grant/TA per aggregation hub.
Who It Fits: SMEs building storage, grading, market-info or logistics for cereals value chains.
Why It’s “Secret”: FTMA accepts NGN-denominated budgets—Nigerian firms often drop out thinking costs must be in USD.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Create profile on ftma.org and select “Nigeria Hub”.
Upload aggregation-hub business case + letters from off-takers.
Complete WFP due-diligence and sign MOU.
Deadline: Concept notes due 9 September 2025.
Official Link: https://ftma.org

#68 — FAO Youth Agripreneur Innovation Challenge

Ticket Size: US $15,000 seed grant + Rome demo-slot.
Who It Fits: Youth-led digital-agri solutions (AI, drones, marketplace) with at least prototype.
Why It’s “Secret”: Only top-10 finalists go to Hangzhou pitch—and FAO pays all travel; many Nigerian teams skip for fear of visa costs.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Submit online application on fao.org/agri-inno.
Upload 3-page concept paper + 2-min product video.
If shortlisted, refine deck with FAO mentors before Hangzhou pitch.
Deadline: 30 July 2025.
Official Link: https://www.fao.org

#69 — Mastercard Foundation Agribusiness Challenge Fund

Ticket Size: US $500 000 – US $2.5 million grant/soft-loan over 3 years.
Who It Fits: Growth-stage agri-SMEs able to create ≥ 500 youth jobs in three years.
Why It’s “Secret”: Fund prefers joint ventures with youth-led co-ops, but that clause is buried in Annex B—few applicants latch onto it.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register on frp.org and fill impact-metrics table.
Upload detailed proposal and audited accounts.
Attend virtual due-diligence interview and negotiate milestone schedule.
Deadline: 22 November 2025.
Official Link: https://mastercardfdn.org

#70 — NEPC Export Development Fund (EDF)

Ticket Size: Up to ₦5 million reimbursable grant for market research, trade-fair costs and packaging upgrade.
Who It Fits: Non-oil exporters (turnover < ₦1 billion) registered with NEPC.
Why It’s “Secret”: Application is now 100 % online—no more couriering files to Abuja, yet exporters still queue at NEPC desk.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Log into nepc.gov.ng and choose “EDF”.
Upload export licence, last year’s audit and fair invitation letter.
After approval, reclaim expenses with scanned receipts.
Deadline: Expenses incurred 1 Jan – 31 Dec 2025 must be filed by 31 March 2026.
Official Link: https://nepc.gov.ng

#71 — Sterling Bank SABEX Export Loan

Ticket Size: ₦5 million – ₦200 million @ ~10 % p.a. (180-day revolving tenor).
Who It Fits: Agro-commodity traders exporting sesame, cashew, cocoa, soybean.
Why It’s “Secret”: Warehouse receipts or pledged inventory count as collateral—many SMEs assume landed property is compulsory.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Open SABEX trader account at sterling.ng/sabex.
Upload NEPC export certificate + purchase agreements.
Pledge inventory on SABEX platform and draw export loan line.
Deadline: Open year-round until trader limit reached.
Official Link: https://sterling.ng/sabex

#72 — Polaris Bank Digital Factory Fund

Ticket Size: ₦5 million – ₦50 million @ 9 % p.a. (≤ 5-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Nigerian digital-first SMEs building fintech, health-tech, ed-tech or e-commerce products.
Why It’s “Secret”: Fund sits under Polaris “Intervention Funds” portal—branch staff rarely mention it unless asked.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply via polarismicroapp or polarisbanklimited.com/intervention-funds.
Upload CAC, 12-month cash-flow and MVP link.
Sign offer letter digitally through VULTe app.
Deadline: Cohort closes once annual ₦5 billion quota is drawn.
Official Link: https://www.polarisbanklimited.com/intervention-funds

#73 — Providus Bank Creative Industry Fund

Ticket Size: Up to ₦30 million per studio @ 9 % p.a. (3-year tenor) from a ₦5 billion pool.
Who It Fits: Film producers, gaming studios, animation & post-production houses.
Why It’s “Secret”: Providus grants 30 % payment moratorium for productions shot 100 % in Nigeria—policy announced May 2024 but barely publicised.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Request “Creative Fund” pack at any Providus branch.
Submit script, budget, distribution MOU and cash-flow.
Attend FG/Providus joint screening and sign tripartite loan agreement.
Deadline: Second-batch applications vetting ends 30 September 2025.
Official Link: https://providusbank.com/financing

#74 — GTCO Creative Industry Financing Initiative – Fashion Track

Ticket Size: ₦500,000 – ₦5 million @ 9 % p.a. (3-year tenor; 12-month moratorium).
Who It Fits: Registered fashion designers, garment makers, accessory brands.
Why It’s “Secret”: Loan stacks with GTCO Fashion Weekend pop-up stalls—borrowers get free booth if loan is approved by 15 Oct 2025.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply at gtbank.com > “Creative Industry Loan”.
Upload look-book and sales history.
Sign offer letter; GTCO disburses to your supplier’s account.
Deadline: 9 November 2025 (ahead of Fashion Weekend).
Official Link: https://gtbank.com/creative-loan

#75 — NIRSAL Mechanisation Service Provider Loan

Ticket Size: Up to ₦50 million @ ≤ 9 % p.a. (5-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Tractor-leasing operators and mechanisation hubs servicing ≥ 200 ha.
Why It’s “Secret”: Loans are de-risked by NIRSAL Credit Risk Guarantee (CRG) at 50 % cover, slashing collateral.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register SPV with CAC; secure OEM quote.
Apply via any NIRSAL partner bank, requesting CRG cover.
Buy CRG at 1 % upfront and draw down.
Deadline: Continuous until yearly mechanisation cap exhausts.
Official Link: https://nirsal.com

#76 — CBN Gas Expansion Facility (IFNGEP)

Ticket Size: ₦10 million – ₦500 million @ 5 % p.a. (till 2027), tenor up to 7 years.
Who It Fits: CNG conversion centres, LPG distributors, CNG/LNG station builders.
Why It’s “Secret”: Projects bundling driver-training or after-sales earn an extra 0.5 % rate rebate. aluko-oyebode.com
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Craft business plan using IFNGEP template.
Submit via any of the 12 PFIs listed on cbn.gov.ng/gas.
Upload PCNGi endorsement letter before CBN screening.
Deadline: Facility window 2024 – 2028.
Official Link: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/

#77 — CBN Textile Revival Forward-Integration Grant

Ticket Size: 30 % capex rebate (up to ₦10 billion project size) + loan at 4.5 % p.a.
Who It Fits: Garment factories using ≥ 50 % locally woven fabrics and exporting finished wear.
Why It’s “Secret”: Factories hitting export quota in year 3 convert rebate into grant—detail sits in footnote 6 of CBN circular. polarisbanklimited.com
How to Apply (3 Steps):

File upgrade plan with BOI Textile Desk.
BOI submits for CBN no-objection and rebate approval.
After install & export audit, reclaim 30 % rebate.
Deadline: Disbursements stop 31 Dec 2026.
Official Link: (BOI Textile SME portal)

#78 — NCC Telecom Research Innovation Fund (TRIC)

Ticket Size: ₦4 million – ₦50 million research grant (12-18 months).
Who It Fits: Nigerian universities/teams with telecom prototypes (5G, IoT, security).
Why It’s “Secret”: NCC has already disbursed ₦500 million to 40 projects, but still fights low Southern-Nigeria submissions.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Download RFP at ncc.gov.ng/research-grants.
Submit proposal + budget on the portal before deadline.
Defend at NCC regional round-table; sign grant MoU.
Deadline: 12 March 2026 RFP cut-off.
Official Link: https://ncc.gov.ng

#79 — Bank of Industry Digital Economy Fund

Ticket Size: Up to ₦500 million @ 7 % p.a. (7-year tenor).
Who It Fits: Data-centre, cloud, fibre, SaaS, ed-tech and e-commerce infrastructure projects.
Why It’s “Secret”: Fund piggy-backs on AfDB/BoI digital-literacy partnership; BoI hasn’t yet pushed it to branches.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply on boi.ng “Digital Economy” page; upload feasibility and offtake MOUs.
Complete BoI KYC and collateral upload.
Await BoI IC approval and sign offer.
Deadline: First tranche applications close 30 November 2025.
Official Link: https://www.boi.ng

#80 — CREDICORP CALM Solar Home-System Credit Grant

Ticket Size: Interest subsidy covering first 12 months on solar loans up to ₦2 million.
Who It Fits: Households & women-led micro-shops installing SHS or inverter bundles.
Why It’s “Secret”: Subsidy stacks with consumer credit—monthly payments start at ₦20 000, but only if you buy from accredited solar OEMs.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Create account on credicorp.ng and pick “CALM-Solar”.
Select OEM package and upload ID + utility bill.
Sign e-mandate; OEM installs and CREDICORP pays vendor directly.
Deadline: Pilot runs until N2.5 billion fund is exhausted (forecast Q2 2026).
Official Link: https://credicorp.ng

81 – 95 State & Regional Programmes

#81 — LSETF SME Generic Loan

Ticket Size: ₦500,000 – ₦5,000,000 @ 9 % p.a. (24- to 36-month tenor).
Who It Fits: Lagos-based SMEs with ≥ 1 year operating history and LASRRA ID.
Why It’s “Secret”: Branch bankers rarely mention that collateral isn’t required below ₦2 m—a guarantor plus six-month statements is enough.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Open profile on lsetf.ng → “MSME Loan”.
Upload CAC, LIRS tax card, BVN & 6-month bank statement.
Pick a LASRRA-verified guarantor and e-sign the 9 % term sheet.
Deadline: Rolling until the ₦25 billion fund recycles.
Official Link: lsetf.ng

#82 — LSETF “Lagos-Cares” Operations Grant

Ticket Size: Reimburses 50 % of documented monthly costs (rent, salaries, utilities) for 6 months – up to ₦1 million total.
Who It Fits: Lagos nano, micro & small businesses hurt by COVID-19.
Why It’s “Secret”: The portal auto-closes when each LGA hits its quota, then quietly re-opens the next month.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register on lsetf.ng → “Lagos-Cares”.
Upload LASRRA card plus last 6 months’ expense receipts.
Link your BVN-validated bank account for monthly reimbursements.
Deadline: Quota-based; check banner for your LGA window.
Official Link: lsetf.ng

#83 — LSETF MSME Bootcamp Grant

Ticket Size: ₦250,000 equity-free for each of the top 10 graduates per boot-camp.
Who It Fits: Lagos entrepreneurs (18-45) who complete the free 2-week MSME Bootcamp.
Why It’s “Secret”: Only founders who score ≥ 80 % in the final quiz qualify for judging—many leave early and miss out.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply for the next boot-camp at opportunitiesforafricans.com/lsetf-bootcamp.
Attend all sessions & pass the final assessment.
Pitch at Demo Day; top 10 receive instant grant cheques.
Deadline: Cohort applications close 31 July 2025.
Official Link: opportunitiesforafricans.com

#84 — Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) Pitch Grant

Ticket Size: ₦1 million cash grant + ₦2 million business-support package.
Who It Fits: Innovative start-ups or artisans operating in Ondo State.
Why It’s “Secret”: The application link is posted only on ONDEA’s Facebook & Instagram feeds—not on a website.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Follow @officialondea and click the Google-form link in bio.
Upload 3-page concept note + 60-sec elevator-pitch video.
Pitch live at Akure Innovation Week; judges pick 5 winners.
Deadline: 22 March 2025 (for the current call).
Official Link: facebook.com

#85 — ASBA SME Solution Loan (Anambra)

Ticket Size: ₦500,000 – ₦2 million @ 9 % p.a. (24-month tenor).
Who It Fits: Registered small firms or cooperatives resident in Anambra State.
Why It’s “Secret”: Group guarantees can replace landed collateral up to ₦1 million, but the option is buried two clicks deep in the portal.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Create account on asba.anambrastate.gov.ng.
Upload CAC, tax card & 6-month statements.
Print the offer letter, get two guarantors to co-sign, then return for disbursement.
Deadline: Continuous while the state revolving fund lasts.
Official Link: asba.anambrastate.gov.ng

#86 — Kano × BOI ₦2 Billion MSME Development Fund

Ticket Size: ₦500,000 – ₦5 million @ 8 % p.a. (36 months; 3-month grace).
Who It Fits: Existing or new MSMEs operating in Kano across trade, light-manufacturing, agro-processing.
Why It’s “Secret”: 50 % of the fund is ear-marked for women & youth, but most applications still come from male-owned firms.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Pick up BOI/Kano Fund form at any BOI branch.
Attach CAC, tax cert & guarantor forms; submit for credit committee.
Sign BOI offer, and Kano State pays 2 % of the interest as rebate.
Deadline: Rolling until ₦2 billion is fully booked.
Official Link: boi.ng

#87 — Kano Youth Economic Intervention (YEIDEP) Grant

Ticket Size: ₦250,000 grant per youth-led micro-enterprise + training.
Who It Fits: Kano residents aged 18-35 in agribusiness, services or crafts.
Why It’s “Secret”: The first 2,000 slots of the July 2025 batch will be filled solely through online pre-registration—no paper forms.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Pre-register at yeidep.ng with NIN & BVN.
Complete the digital entrepreneurship course (5 modules).
Upload simple business plan and await grant-disbursement SMS.
Deadline: 31 July 2025 for the current batch.
Official Link: guardian.ng

#88 — EdoJobs Scale-Up Grant

Ticket Size: ₦1 million equity-free for MSMEs that finish EdoJobs accelerator.
Who It Fits: Edo-registered businesses with proven revenue and at least two staff.
Why It’s “Secret”: Only founders who upload audited sales figures get shortlisted—most applicants submit bank screenshots instead.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Join the EdoJobs accelerator via edojobs.edostate.gov.ng.
Complete all coaching sessions and upload audited P&L.
Pitch at Benin Demo Day; top 20 secure grant cheques.
Deadline: Accelerator applications close 27 June 2025.
Official Link: facebook.com

#89 — Kaduna Start-up & Entrepreneurship Programme (KADSTEP) Loan-Grant Mix

Ticket Size: ₦3 million (70 % BOI loan @ 9 % p.a.; 30 % state grant).
Who It Fits: Kaduna residents 18-45 with viable start-up ideas in real-sector businesses.
Why It’s “Secret”: Completing the 10-week Kaduna Business School boot-camp automatically waives collateral on the loan portion.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply at kadstep.kdsg.gov.ng and pass online aptitude test.
Attend 10-week boot-camp, then submit full business plan.
After graduation, sign BOI term sheet and receive 30 % grant top-up.
Deadline: 30 September 2025 (current cohort).
Official Link: dayoadetiloye.com

#90 — Abia Cooperative Micro-Grant Scheme

Ticket Size: ₦100,000 interest-free revolving loan via cooperatives (target = 100 000 traders).
Who It Fits: Market women, artisans, and micro-traders registered with Abia cooperatives.
Why It’s “Secret”: The first ₦1 billion tranche is interest-free for 12 months—later tranches may attract admin fees.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Join an accredited cooperative and submit simple business profile.
Cooperative uploads beneficiary list on Abia SME portal.
Sign group-guarantee form; State disburses to your bank account.
Deadline: Batch-1 portal closes 14 July 2025.
Official Link: africachinapresscentre.org

#91 — PLASMIDA Micro-Enterprise Loan (Plateau)

Ticket Size: Up to ₦200,000 working-capital loan @ 5 % p.a. (18 months).
Who It Fits: Plateau nano & micro businesses with BVN and trade licence.
Why It’s “Secret”: Loans are digitally disbursed via microfinance e-wallets, but many applicants still queue at Jos HQ with paper files.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Create wallet on the PLASMIDA portal or app.
Upload ID, cooperative backing letter & 3-month sales evidence.
E-sign 5 % loan agreement; funds hit wallet within 72 h.
Deadline: Continuous while the revolving fund is capitalised.
Official Link: linkedin.com

#92 — Ogun State Skills Fund Seed-Grant

Ticket Size: ₦500,000 grant + 6-month technical training voucher.
Who It Fits: Ogun youth & start-ups accepted into the State Skills-Fund challenge programme.
Why It’s “Secret”: Application lives only on osf.ogunstate.gov.ng and closes silently once category quotas fill.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Apply at osf.ogunstate.gov.ng → “Apply Now”.
Upload CV, idea brief & referee contact.
Attend virtual pitch; winners sign grant MoU and start training.
Deadline: 31 July 2025 for the current call.
Official Link: osf.ogunstate.gov.ng

#93 — Ibom-3000 Agripreneur Grant (Akwa Ibom)

Ticket Size: ₦300,000 start-up grant per youth farmer + incubation support.
Who It Fits: Akwa Ibom youths (18-35) starting poultry, fisheries or crop farms.
Why It’s “Secret”: Only 3,000 slots exist, and the e-form auto-locks after 10 000 submissions—usually within 48 h.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Sign up on ibom-led.ng/agripreneur.
Upload farm business canvas & proof of land access.
Complete one-day agribusiness induction, then receive grant via bank alert.
Deadline: Portal closes once 10 000 valid entries are received (forecast mid-August 2025).
Official Link: guardian.ng

#94 — Rivers State SME Fund (Micro-finance Agency)

Ticket Size: Working-capital loans up to ₦1 million @ 8 % p.a. (24 months).
Who It Fits: Rivers-based micro & small firms with tax clearance and BVN.
Why It’s “Secret”: The state recapitalised the fund with ₦1 billion in 2024, but many think the scheme ended in 2019.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Collect form at Rivers Microfinance Agency or download from rma.riversstate.gov.ng.
Attach CAC or trade permit, guarantor forms & 6-month statements.
After credit committee approval, sign 8 % note and receive bank transfer.
Deadline: Rolling until recapitalised pool is lent out.
Official Link: facebook.com

#95 — Cross River Cocoa Revamp Replanting Grant

Ticket Size: ₦500,000 per hectare replanting grant (pay-for-performance).
Who It Fits: Smallholder cocoa farmers & cooperatives in Cross River.
Why It’s “Secret”: Grants are released only after field verification of new hybrid seedlings—many farmers expect upfront cash.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register plot with the State Cocoa Desk (CALABAR) and obtain geo-tag.
Purchase state-approved hybrid seedlings; keep receipt.
Extension officers verify replanting; grant paid into bank account.
Deadline: Apply before 30 September 2025 to be captured in the 2025/26 cocoa season.
Official Link: punchng.com

96 – 100 International & Multilateral Windows

#96 — World Bank NG-CARES Result Area 3 MSME Grant

Ticket Size: Up to ₦3 million one-off grant to help micro & small enterprises rebound from COVID-era shocks.
Who It Fits: Registered MSEs (≤ 10 employees) that lost revenue between 2020-2024 and can show tax or POS records.
Why It’s “Secret”: Each state sets its own cap and opens the portal for only 14 days—many business owners miss their state window.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Create a profile on your state’s NG-CARES RA3 portal (link appears on the state ministry’s site).
Upload CAC certificate, six-month bank statement and evidence of COVID revenue dip.
Wait for SMS to book a physical verification; grant hits your account within 10 days if approved.
Deadline: State portals open on a rolling basis until the NG-CARES envelope (US $750 m IDA credit) is exhausted—target Q4 2026.
Official Link: https://ngcares.gov.ng

#97 — USAID West Africa Trade & Investment Hub Co-Investment Grant

Ticket Size: US $250,000 – US $1.5 million matching grant; minimum 1:1 private-capital leverage.
Who It Fits: Export-oriented Nigerian agribusinesses, light-manufacturers, clean-tech or WASH companies that can crowd-in private investment.
Why It’s “Secret”: The Nigeria-focused rolling call inside the US $60 m regional fund is still open, but the Trade Hub stopped buying ads after 2023—many firms assume it’s closed.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register on westafricatradehub.com/apply and download the concept-note template.
Upload 5-page concept + proof of matching funds (bank letter, investor term-sheet).
If shortlisted, submit full proposal and pass USAID environmental & gender due-diligence.
Deadline: Nigeria rolling window closes 31 March 2026 or when the remaining US $12 m is fully committed.
Official Link: https://westafricatradehub.com

#98 — IFC–CBN Local-Currency Supply-Chain Finance Facility

Ticket Size: Banks re-finance supplier invoices; typical SME draw-down ₦20 m – ₦100 m at ≤ 10 % APR (30–180 days).
Who It Fits: SMEs selling to large corporates (FMCG, telecoms, agriprocessors) who need early payment but lack collateral.
Why It’s “Secret”: Signed Oct 2024; PFIs are still onboarding, so early Nigerian suppliers can lock in naira lines before the US $1 b programme fills up.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Ask your corporate off-taker which of its banks has activated the IFC SCF window and get a supplier-nomination letter.
Submit invoices, KYC and 12-month bank statements to the bank’s SCF desk.
Sign the receivables-discount agreement; bank pays you within 48 h and gets naira refinance from IFC.
Deadline: Facility runs 2024 – 2029 or until the US $1 b envelope is drawn.
Official Link: https://www.ifc.org/en/pressroom/2024/ifc-and-the-central-bank-of-nigeria-partner-to-boost-local-currency-financing-in-nigeria

#99 — AfDB Youth & Women-Led MSME Line (YEIB)

Ticket Size: Nigerian banks on-lend ₦5 m – ₦100 m at ≤ 12 % p.a. from AfDB’s US $100 m credit line.
Who It Fits: Youth- or women-led SMEs with at least two years of trading history and audited accounts.
Why It’s “Secret”: Only a handful of PFIs have signed YEIB agreements—ask explicitly for the “YEIB window” or staff may route you to costlier products.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Approach your bank’s SME desk and request YEIB financing; provide CAC, BVN and audited statements.
Bank uploads your dossier to AfDB’s guarantee portal and waits for no-objection.
After approval, sign loan agreement with the subsidised YEIB rate and start draw-down.
Deadline: Credit line runs 2025 – 2028 (first-come, first-served).
Official Link: https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/nigeria-african-development-bank-approves-100-million-support-youth-and-women-led-msmes-74947

#100 — UNDP × Tony Elumelu Foundation “BeGreen Africa” Entrepreneurship Programme

Ticket Size: US $5,000 non-refundable seed grant + green-business boot camp & mentorship.
Who It Fits: African (incl. Nigerian) founders aged 18–35 building climate-smart, circular-economy or waste-management ventures.
Why It’s “Secret”: Application link goes live on 1 January and closes 1 March each year; the site receives 100 000+ hits, but the green track fills after ~10 000 complete forms.
How to Apply (3 Steps):

Register on tefconnect.com → “BeGreen Africa”.
Complete the 12-week online green-business curriculum and upload a 2-page impact canvas.
Record a 90-second pitch video; if selected, sign the UNDP-TEF grant agreement and receive US $5 000 directly to your bank.
Deadline: Applications for the 2025 cohort close 1 March 2025; training runs April–June; grants disburse in July.
Official Link: https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com/the-tony-elumelu-foundation-begreen-africa-entrepreneurship-programme-2025/

FAQs (Short & Honest)

Do I need CAC registration?
Yes—90 % of the funds above require it. Register before you click apply.

Can I stack multiple programmes?
You can receive one loan + one grant without conflict; two grants from the same source may trigger claw-back.

How long until I see cash?
Fastest: PCGS (7 days). Slowest: NG-CARES (3–4 months).

Will poor credit kill my chances?
Not for grants. For loans, use the guarantee schemes (#27-30) to de-risk your profile.

Final Checklist & Next Steps

CAC certificate + TIN
6-month bank statements (export PDF from app)
One-page business plan (problem, solution, market, numbers)
Valid ID + utility bill
Capacity-building certificate (for AGSMEIS/TIES)
Environmental & Social Impact note (green funds)

Disclaimer

Information verified as of 1 July 2025. Programmes change without notice—always confirm details on the official portal before committing resources.

Finance Insights

Updated July 01, 2025

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