Call for Applications: Drawbridge Grant 2026: (₦1.5 Million)

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Nigerian entrepreneurs seeking funding to expand their businesses can now apply for the Drawbridge Grant 2026, an initiative by ProMoat Capital offering a total of ₦1.5 million to two selected businesses.

The grant is designed to support existing Nigerian businesses with funding for growth. Unlike a conventional business loan, the money does not have to be repaid, and successful applicants will not be required to surrender any ownership or equity in their businesses.

Applications for the January 2027 cohort are open until 30 November 2026.

What Is the Drawbridge Grant?

The Drawbridge Grant is a business funding initiative organised by ProMoat Capital, an investment firm focused on small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria and other frontier markets.

The programme provides non-repayable financial support to selected businesses. ProMoat Capital says the initiative is also intended to help it identify promising Nigerian businesses that may be considered for future investment opportunities.

However, any subsequent investment discussion is separate from the grant and entirely optional. Receiving the grant does not require a business owner to give up shares in their company.

How Much Can Businesses Receive?

For the current cohort, ProMoat Capital will award a total of ₦1.5 million to two businesses.

The grant allocation is:

First-place award: ₦1,000,000

Second-place award: ₦500,000

The grants are non-repayable. Recipients will not be required to pay back the money or surrender equity in their businesses.

The funding can be used for business growth activities, including:

Purchasing stock and inventory.

Buying equipment, tools and machinery.

Marketing and promotional activities.

Hiring staff.

Other expenses directly related to business expansion.

Applicants will be asked to explain how they intend to use the money to grow their businesses

Who Can Apply for the Drawbridge Grant?

The opportunity is open to Nigerian businesses operating across different sectors. These may include retail, agriculture, manufacturing, food processing, fashion, professional services, technology, software and other commercial activities.

According to the programme’s published eligibility requirements, applicants must:

Operate a business in Nigeria: The business must be based and operating in the country.

Have CAC registration: The business must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), either as a business name or a limited liability company.

Be at least 18 years old: The applicant must be authorised to represent the business.

Provide accurate business information: Applicants should be able to explain what their business does, who their customers are and how it generates revenue.

Having paying customers is not an absolute requirement, but ProMoat Capital says businesses with paying customers stand a higher chance of being selected.

A business bank account is also not compulsory at the application stage, but it is an advantage. The grant will be paid into a bank account in the name of the business or applicant.

Importantly, the programme is not restricted to technology startups or businesses operating in a particular sector. Small and young businesses can also apply, provided they meet the registration requirement.

What Documents and Information Are Required?

The application process is relatively straightforward. Applicants do not need to submit a pitch deck or a separate formal business plan document.

However, they should be ready to provide the following information:

Full name and contact details.

Business name and CAC registration number.

Business sector and location.

Monthly business revenue.

Number of people working in the business.

Information about the products or services offered.

Description of the business’s target customers.

Whether the business has a bank account.

A clear explanation of how the grant will be used.

Applicants may also provide a website or social media link for their business.

The application form is expected to take approximately two to five minutes to complete. Applicants must also create a free account on ProMoat Capital’s small-business platform to submit and track their applications.

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Call for Applications: BRIDGE-in Agriculture For Agripreneurs (Up to $10,000 in Grants)

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Young entrepreneurs in Ghana can apply for the BRIDGE-in Agriculture Pitch Competition 2026 for an opportunity to win a share of US$10,000 in grant funding to strengthen or expand their agricultural businesses.

The competition is part of the BRIDGE-in Agriculture initiative, funded by the Mastercard Foundation and delivered in partnership with CrossBoundary Advisory and ASH Africa. It aims to support agricultural businesses, promote job creation and expand economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs..

Funding available

The competition will award grants to three selected businesses, with the US$10,000 prize pool divided as follows:

• First prize: US$5,000.
• Second prize: US$3,000.
• Third prize: US$2,000.

Who can apply?

The competition is open to entrepreneurs who:

Are between 18 and 35 years old.

Operate a business in Ghana’s agricultural value chain or an adjacent sector.

Have an existing revenue-generating business model.

Have a clear, impact-oriented action plan.

The initiative also seeks to expand opportunities for young people,

 particularly women and persons with disabilities.

How to apply

Eligible entrepreneurs can submit their applications through the competition’s application form.

Applications close on November 9, 2026, at 23:59 GMT. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

For enquiries, applicants can call 030 700 0111 or 054 828 8182.

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Call For Applications: Federal Government TVET Initiative COHORT 3 (Up To ₦30,000 Monthly Stipend)

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The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has opened applications for Batch C (Cohort 3) of the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative, offering free vocational training and a monthly stipend of ₦30,000 to eligible Nigerians.

The programme is designed to equip participants with practical, industry-relevant skills to improve their employability, promote self-employment and support entrepreneurship.

Training will be delivered through accredited centres across the country, including federal and state technical colleges, government-owned institutions and registered private vocational training centres.

About the Federal Government TVET Initiative

The Federal Government’s TVET Initiative seeks to address unemployment and the skills gap by expanding access to practical and technical education.

Through the programme, participants receive hands-on training in various vocational fields to prepare them for employment, self-employment and business development.

The initiative offers two training pathways: the Short-Term Certificate (STC) and the Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI), allowing applicants to select programmes based on their educational background, existing skills and career goals.

Available Training Pathways and Duration

1. Short-Term Certificate (STC)

The Short-Term Certificate programme runs for six months and is targeted at beginners, school leavers and individuals seeking to acquire vocational skills.

Applicants are not required to possess formal educational qualifications to participate in this pathway.

2. Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI)

The Vocational Education and Innovation programme runs for one year and is designed for individuals with existing educational qualifications, informal training or vocational experience who wish to improve their skills or obtain formal certification.

Available Vocational Trades

Applicants can select from a range of technical, vocational and entrepreneurial fields, including:

Electrical Installation

Welding and Fabrication

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation

Plumbing

Automobile Repair

Fashion Design

Hospitality

Digital Media Production

Beauty Therapy

Livestock Farming

Additional vocational trades may be available on the official application portal.

Benefits of the TVET Initiative

Successful participants will benefit from:

Free vocational training: No tuition fees for the programme.

Monthly stipend: ₦30,000 allowance during training.

Practical skills acquisition: Hands-on training in selected vocational fields.

Certification: Opportunity to obtain recognised certification upon completion.

Starter packs: Graduates may receive starter packs to support self-employment.

Business support: Potential access to business loan opportunities.

Employment opportunities: Skills development to improve employability and support entrepreneurship.

Requirements for the TVET Initiative

Applicants are expected to meet the requirements for their preferred training pathway.

Short-Term Certificate (STC)

Applicants must have:

A valid National Identification Number (NIN).

A Bank Verification Number (BVN).

No formal educational qualification is required for this pathway.

Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI)

Applicants must possess any of the following

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).

Certificate from a non-formal education programme, including community-based or NGO training.

How to Apply for TVET Batch C (Cohort 3)

Interested Nigerians can apply by following these steps:

Visit the official application portal at 

https://www.tvet.education.gov.ng/signup

Create an account using the required registration details.

Select either the Short-Term Certificate (STC) or Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI) pathway.

Complete the application form with accurate information.

Upload the required supporting documents.

Select a preferred vocational trade and accredited training centre.

Review the information provided and submit the application.

Applicants are advised to ensure that their registration details are accurate and that they meet the requirements for their selected training pathway.

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Call for Applications: Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027 Offers ₦1.5 Million to Entrepreneurs

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DEADLINE: December 15, 2026

Entrepreneurs with businesses they want to grow can apply for the Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027, a business pitch competition offering a ₦1.5 million prize to a winning founder.

Organised as part of the Learnstar Creative Summit 2027, the competition will select five founders to pitch their businesses live at the event in Lagos. The winner will be announced on the main stage on February 20, 2027.

Applications are open until December 15, 2026, according to the official competition page.

About the Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027

The Learnstar Startup Challenge is part of the Learnstar Creative Summit, an event bringing together entrepreneurs, creatives, investors and industry professionals to discuss business, innovation and the creative economy.

The competition gives selected founders an opportunity to present their businesses to a live audience and a judging panel. Five founders will pitch on the Exchange stage before the ₦1.5 million prize is awarded.

What the Winner Will Receive

The competition offers a ₦1,500,000 prize to the winning founder.

The official competition page confirms the prize amount and live pitch format. Applicants should consult the organisers for further details about the award’s terms and disbursement.

Who Can Apply?

The official competition page identifies the Learnstar Startup Challenge as a competition for founders. However, it does not provide a complete list of eligibility requirements in the information currently published.

Entrepreneurs should check the application portal for details on eligible countries, business stages, sectors, documentation and any other selection criteria before applying.

How to Apply for the Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027

Interested founders can apply through the official Learnstar Creative Summit competitions page.

Visit the competition website.

Select The Learnstar Startup Challenge.

Open the application form and review the requirements.

Complete the application with accurate information about your business.

Submit the application before the deadline.

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Call For Applications: TBH MSME PITCH-A-TON 1.0 Offers Up to ₦10M in Hybrid Grant and Loan Support

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria can apply for the TBH MSME PITCH-A-TON 1.0, a business support programme designed to help entrepreneurs access funding and strengthen their businesses.

The initiative is associated with The Business Hub (TBH) and Sterling Bank. It combines grant opportunities with access to business loans, giving participating entrepreneurs an opportunity to secure financial support for business growth.

Benefits of the TBH MSME PITCH-A-TON 1.0

The programme offers participating businesses access to funding opportunities and support to help them grow.

Benefits include:

Up to ₦10 million in combined grant and loan support: The programme advertises a hybrid funding package combining grant and loan support. This is not a guarantee that every applicant will receive ₦10 million.

Grant opportunities: Five grand winners will be selected for the programme’s top awards.

Access to discounted loans: Up to 50 finalists can qualify for discounted business loans, subject to the programme’s terms.

Business development support: The programme provides a platform for entrepreneurs to present their businesses and pursue opportunities to strengthen their operations.

Applicants should review the official programme information for the specific funding terms, selection criteria and conditions attached to any loan.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is intended for Nigerian MSMEs seeking funding and support to grow their businesses.

Entrepreneurs interested in applying should be prepared to provide information about their businesses, including their products or services, target customers, operations and growth plans.

Applicants should consult the official application portal to confirm the complete eligibility requirements before submitting their entries.

Programme Duration

TBH MSME PITCH-A-TON 1.0 is structured as a 12-month programme.

Entrepreneurs should review the application details to understand the programme stages, participation requirements and conditions for accessing funding.

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Call for Applications: Agribusiness Growth Challenge 2026 ( Up To €6,000 Award)

The Agribusiness Facility for Africa (ABF), through its Agribusiness e-Academy, invites young and early-stage agripreneurs to participate in the Agribusiness Growth Challenge 2026.

The initiative combines free, practical business training with an opportunity to compete for business growth awards. It aims to help emerging agribusiness entrepreneurs strengthen their business models, build climate resilience and improve their readiness to attract investment.

The programme is delivered by GIZ ABF with financial support from the European Union (EU) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Funding and Benefits

Eligible participants who complete the required training can compete for the following awards:

€6,000 in Business Growth Funding to support agribusiness development.

Dell Pro 14 Essential laptop for a selected participant.

Agribusiness Mentoring Programme placement to support business growth and development.

Other programme benefits include:

Free training: No course fee.

Practical learning: Approximately five hours of training.

Certification: A certificate upon assessment or participation, as applicable.

Awards are competitive and subject to assessment. Completing the courses does not guarantee funding or other prizes.

Training Modules

Participants must complete three online courses through the Agribusiness e-Academy:

Climate-Smart Agribusiness: Adaptation — Learn how to strengthen an agricultural business against climate-related risks.

Business Model Canvas — Develop and refine the business model.

Creating an Investment-Ready Agribusiness — Prepare the business for growth and potential investment.

The training takes approximately five hours in total and is free.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old.

Reside in a member country of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

Have an agribusiness idea or enterprise focused on maize, livestock (cattle, sheep or goats), cashew or cocoa.

Complete all three required courses.

Obtain a valid certificate ID from the final course, Creating an Investment-Ready Agribusiness.

Submit a business model explaining the proposed venture, its climate-resilience component, revenue model and estimated capital requirements.

Application Deadline

October 30, 2026.

How to Apply

Create an account or sign in to the Agribusiness e-Academy.

Complete the three mandatory courses.

Prepare your business model using the programme’s required format.

Submit your business model through the official application form before the deadline.

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Call for Applications: Prince Casper Foundation Impact Grants 2026–2027 (Up to ₦500,000 in Funding)

The Prince Casper Foundation is inviting applications for its 2026–2027 Impact Grants, an initiative designed to support community projects, grassroots ideas and promising initiatives working to create meaningful social change.

The programme offers three grant categories to support projects at different stages of development, from early-stage ideas to established initiatives seeking to expand their impact.

A total of ₦6 million in funding is available for 26 grantees across the three categories.

Available Grant Categories

• Trailblazer Grant – ₦500,000: Supports transformational projects designed to drive sustainable change.

• Catalyst Grant – ₦200,000: Helps promising initiatives grow into scalable, long-term solutions.

• Launchpad Grant – ₦100,000: Provides seed funding to help early-stage ideas move from concept to implementation.

The Foundation will award seven Trailblazer grants, six Catalyst grants and 13 Launchpad grants. Applicants cannot choose their preferred tier; the selection committee determines the award based on the project’s scope, cost, need and relevance.]

Who Can Apply?

The grant is specifically intended for educators and education-sector professionals who:

• Work in Nigeria’s primary or secondary education sector.

• Contribute directly to the learning, development or educational outcomes of children and young people.

• Serve rural, underserved or educationally disadvantaged communities.

• Can demonstrate a genuine financial need affecting their ability to improve teaching or learning outcomes.

Eligible applicants may include classroom teachers, school heads, school administrators, education programme staff, NGO workers and volunteers involved in education.

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