we have compiled 10 Active Grants Nigerians Can Apply for Skills and Business SupportĀ 2026
As Nigeria moves closer to 2026, many individuals are looking for practical ways to build income, learn useful skills, or strengthen small businesses. Grants remain one of the few support options that do not require repayment, but not all programmes discussed online are active or genuine.
This report highlights nine grant and funding programmes Nigerians can apply for today. These opportunities cover youth development, student innovation, women focused support, and small business funding. Each programme listed here is backed by an identifiable institution and has a verifiable application process.
Youth Economic Intervention and De Radicalization Programme YEIDEP
YEIDEP is a Federal Government programme created to support young Nigerians interested in business and self employment. It combines funding with training and supervision to help beneficiaries start or improve small ventures.
The current application phase is Batch B, which is open. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, have valid NIN and BVN details, and present either an existing business or a clear business idea. Participants are required to attend enterprise training sessions after selection.
Applications are submitted through the official portal at yeidep.org.
Student Venture Capital Grant S VCG
The Student Venture Capital Grant operates under the Federal Ministry of Education. It provides non repayable funding of up to fifty million naira for student driven business projects with strong commercial prospects.
The programme is aimed at helping students convert ideas and research work into functioning businesses, especially in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical related fields.
Eligible applicants are full time students in accredited Nigerian tertiary institutions, usually from 300 level upward. Applications are submitted via svcg.education.gov.ng.
Nigeria for Women Project NFWP
The Nigeria for Women Project is a joint programme of the Federal Government and the World Bank. It focuses on helping women improve their income through group based enterprise activities and structured training.
The programme works through Women Affinity Groups and targets women aged 18 and above, particularly those involved in farming, trading, and small scale production in rural and semi urban areas. Support comes through training, savings support, and income activities rather than a single cash payout.
Registration and updates are handled on nfwp.gov.ng.
Conditional Grant Scheme by SMEDAN
The Conditional Grant Scheme is coordinated by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria. It supports nano and micro businesses at the local government level.
Beneficiaries often receive grants of about fifty thousand naira, usually tied to the condition of engaging at least one additional worker. Implementation depends on state and local government schedules.
Verified updates are available on smedan.gov.ng.
FGN ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme
This programme is a collaboration between the Federal Government and Wema Bank. It supports young Nigerians and small business owners through digital skills training, business incubation, and access to funding support.
It focuses on sectors such as agriculture, logistics, retail, clean energy, and technology related businesses. Applicants are expected to commit to training and business development activities.
Applications are processed through fg-skillnovation.alat.ng.
Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme provides business training, mentorship, and a seed grant of five thousand dollars to selected African entrepreneurs.
The programme is open annually to individuals with either business ideas or operating ventures. Selection is based on practicality, growth potential, and social impact.
Applications are submitted through tonyelumelufoundation.org.
Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award 2026
The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award supports young Nigerians with innovative business concepts. Beneficiaries receive up to twelve million naira along with structured business training and mentorship.
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, own a registered business, and present a workable product or service. The 2026 application cycle is currently open and runs into January 2026.
Details are available on arm.com.ng.
SME Mall Women in Business Grant
The SME Mall Women in Business Grant is designed for women owned businesses seeking funding and business support. It targets early stage and growing enterprises across different sectors.
Applicants must be women entrepreneurs operating registered businesses in Nigeria. Application windows open based on SME Mallās funding schedule.
Updates are published on thesmemall.com.
SMEDAN Five Billion Naira Student Entrepreneurs Grant
This Federal Government announced initiative is aimed at supporting student owned businesses through funding and structured enterprise support.
The programme targets students with viable business plans and growth potential. While implementation is ongoing, official updates and application instructions are expected through SMEDANās platforms.
Applicants are advised to monitor smedan.gov.ng for verified announcements.
Important Note for Applicants
Grant programmes attract high interest, and selection is competitive. Applicants should rely only on official portals and avoid individuals requesting payment or registration fees.
Ngempower.com will continue to share verified updates on grants, skills programmes, and business opportunities to help Nigerians make informed decisions ahead of 2026.
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