SEEDINVEST Acceleration Programme 2026 for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

The Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation (BIF) has opened applications for the SEEDINVEST Acceleration Programme 2026, a flagship initiative designed to help nano, micro, and small businesses in Nigeria grow through entrepreneurial training, mentorship, advisory services, and business asset grants.

Unlike many business support programmes that provide direct cash funding, the SEEDINVEST Acceleration Programme focuses on strengthening businesses through productive assets. Selected participants receive business equipment and machinery tailored to their enterprise, alongside intensive business development support to improve operations, increase productivity, and position their businesses for sustainable growth.

Through a six-week virtual acceleration programme, participants will learn from experienced business leaders, strengthen their financial and operational capacity, and receive practical guidance on business strategy, marketing, and investor readiness.

The programme is open to entrepreneurs across all business sectors in Nigeria, provided they operate a registered business and meet the programme's eligibility requirements.

Programme: SEEDINVEST Acceleration Programme 2026

Host Organisation: Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation (BIF)

Category: Entrepreneurship | MSME Development | Business Accelerator | Asset Grants

Location: Nigeria (Virtual Programme)

Programme Duration: Six Weeks

Delivery Format: Online

Funding Type: Asset Grants, Business Training, Mentorship, and Advisory Services

Eligible Country: Nigeria

Application Fee: Free

Application Deadline: 24 July 2026

The SEEDINVEST Acceleration Programme is the flagship entrepreneurship programme of the Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation, created to empower nano, micro, and small businesses with entrepreneurial training, asset grants, and advisory services to help them build thriving enterprises.

The programme supports entrepreneurs through a structured six-week virtual acceleration programme featuring expert-led masterclasses, business mentorship, and practical advisory support. Rather than providing direct cash grants, the Foundation invests in businesses by providing equipment and machinery that can strengthen production capacity and support long-term business growth.

The programme is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors, making it an opportunity for businesses across different industries to access high-quality business development support.

The SEEDINVEST Acceleration Programme aims to:

• Empower Nigerian entrepreneurs with practical business knowledge and skills.
• Strengthen the growth of nano, micro, and small businesses.
• Improve entrepreneurs' capacity in business strategy, financial management, marketing, and investor readiness.
• Provide access to experienced mentors and business advisers.
• Support business expansion through productive asset grants.

Successful applicants will participate in a comprehensive business acceleration programme designed to help them strengthen and scale their businesses.

Participants will receive:

• A fully funded six-week virtual business acceleration programme.
• Expert-led masterclasses covering business strategy, financial management, marketing, and investor readiness.
• One-on-one mentorship from experienced business leaders and industry experts.
• Business advisory services to support growth and decision-making.
• Asset grants in the form of business equipment or machinery to improve business operations and productivity. (The programme does not provide cash grants.)
• Opportunities to develop practical skills that can help build sustainable and competitive businesses.

Following the application stage, successful applicants will be shortlisted to participate in the six-week online acceleration programme, after which further stages of the programme will be communicated by the Foundation.

The SEEDINVEST Acceleration Programme is open to Nigerian entrepreneurs with registered businesses who meet the programme's eligibility requirements.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be between 22 and 45 years old.
• Own a business that is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
• Have operated the business for at least one year (12 months).
• Have a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).
• Operate a business account with a commercial bank in Nigeria.
• Have a structured five-year business plan.
• Have a verifiable physical business address.
• Provide relevant regulatory certifications where applicable, such as NAFDAC or SON certifications for businesses operating in regulated sectors.

The programme is sector agnostic, meaning entrepreneurs from all industries are encouraged to apply.

Please note that previous beneficiaries of the SEEDINVEST Acceleration Programme are not eligible to apply again.

Before starting your application, ensure you have the following documents ready for upload:

• Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Registration Certificate.
• A structured five-year business plan.
• A six-month corporate bank statement for the current year.
• Valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).
• Relevant regulatory certifications (where applicable), including NAFDAC or SON certifications.

Having these documents prepared in advance will make the application process easier and help you complete your submission before the deadline.

Since the programme is delivered online, applicants should be comfortable participating in virtual learning activities.

Applicants are expected to have:

Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

• The ability to participate in online sessions using platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a suitable device for virtual learning.
• Ability to prepare and submit business documents electronically.
• Willingness to actively participate in all virtual learning sessions.

Interested entrepreneurs should submit their applications online through the official SEEDINVEST Application Portal.

To apply:

• Visit the official application portal.
• Complete the online application form.
• Upload all the required documents.
• Review your application carefully before submitting.

• Submit your application before the closing date.

  Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee selection. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in the six-week online acceleration programme.

All updates regarding the application process will be communicated via the email address provided during registration.

Applications for the SEEDINVEST Acceleration Programme 2026 close on:

24 July 2026

Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues with document uploads or online submission

If you're a Nigerian entrepreneur with a registered business and you're looking for practical support to grow your enterprise, the SEEDINVEST Acceleration Programme 2026 offers an opportunity to gain valuable business training, mentorship, advisory services, and business equipment that can help improve your operations. If you meet the eligibility requirements, be sure to submit your application before 24 July 2026.