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Top 5 Free Grants for Nigerian Youth Entrepreneurs in 2025

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

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Starting and growing a business in Nigeria can be daunting, especially for young entrepreneurs facing financial constraints. Thankfully, several organisations, both local and international, offer grants and non-repayable funding opportunities to help transform innovative ideas into thriving enterprises.

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In 2025, Nigerian youths have access to a range of free grants designed to empower startups and small businesses, providing not just funding but also training, mentorship, and access to networks. Below, Akahi News explores the top five free grants every aspiring entrepreneur should consider.

1. Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP)

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) remains one of Africa’s biggest supporters of entrepreneurship. Through the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme, young entrepreneurs receive:

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$5,000 in non-repayable seed funding
12 weeks of intensive business training
Access to global networks and mentorship opportunities

Applicants must have a business idea or an existing business not older than three years. The programme covers diverse sectors, including agriculture, technology, fashion, and health.

Apply here: Tony Elumelu Foundation

2. BOI Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme

The Bank of Industry (BOI) provides a Youth Entrepreneurship Support Programme aimed at reducing unemployment through entrepreneurship.

Key benefits include:

Entrepreneurial training
Business advisory support
Access to funding, including grant components for exceptional projects

This programme targets Nigerian youths aged 18–35 with feasible business plans.

Learn more: BOI YES Programme

3. SARA by Wema – Transforming Nigerian Youths

Wema Bank’s SARA programme focuses on women and youth entrepreneurs, offering both training and seed capital grants. Selected participants can receive grants of up to ₦2.5 million alongside business development support.

The programme aims to boost financial inclusion, encourage innovation, and scale up women-led businesses.

Details available on: SARA by Wema

4. Grooming Endowment Trust (GET) Entrepreneur Grant

The GET Entrepreneur Grant provides up to ₦2 million for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to expand operations.

The scheme supports businesses in sectors such as agriculture, fashion, and light manufacturing, ensuring young entrepreneurs can access not only funding but also professional mentorship.

Visit: Grooming Endowment Trust

5. Kickstart Grants for Nigerian Youth Entrepreneurs

The Kickstart Programme is another robust initiative supporting youth entrepreneurs across Nigeria. It offers:

Business training and mentoring
Grants to start or grow businesses
Networking opportunities to scale projects further

The programme is open to individuals aged 18–35 with innovative business ideas in various sectors.

More information: Kickstart Programme 2025

Why These Grants Matter

These grants go beyond financial support. They:

Encourage innovation by funding original ideas.
Promote job creation through youth-led businesses.
Support economic growth across various sectors.
Offer mentorship and networks for long-term success.

For many young Nigerians, these grants represent a springboard to financial independence and business sustainability.

Final Thoughts

Accessing free grants in 2025 requires staying informed and applying before deadlines close. Nigerian youths with innovative ideas should explore these opportunities to secure funding and scale their businesses.

To stay updated on future grant openings, follow Akahi News for regular entrepreneurship and business funding updates.