For many Nigerian entrepreneurs, the biggest hurdle to scaling is not the brilliance of their ideas but the struggle to secure funding. To address this, the Grooming Endowment Trust (GET) has unveiled the fourth edition of its Accelerated Programme, opening doors for small businesses and startups to access up to ₦2 million in equity-free grants.
Unlike traditional funding schemes, GET’s initiative combines capital with mentorship, training, and investor access—a model designed to set young businesses on the path to sustainable growth.
What the Programme Offers
The Accelerated Programme is built on the GET Compass framework, a support system tailored for early-stage businesses. Selected entrepreneurs gain:
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Equity-free grants of up to ₦2 million.
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Direct mentorship from seasoned business leaders.
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Workshops and skill-building sessions to sharpen entrepreneurial capacity.
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Investor and network access, connecting startups with key players in Nigeria’s business space.
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Market entry support, equipping founders to compete effectively.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:
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Must be 18 years or older.
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Business should be less than three years old.
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Founder must be available for a two-week workshop in Lagos.
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Only registered businesses with verifiable operations are eligible.
Building on National Efforts to Grow SMEs
The programme complements government-led initiatives like the GEEP scheme, which provides soft loans to millions of small-scale traders. While GEEP targets mass microbusinesses, GET focuses on high-growth startups with the potential to scale rapidly and create jobs. Together, these programmes form part of Nigeria’s broader push to diversify the economy and empower entrepreneurs.
Why It Matters
Nigeria’s startup scene is vibrant, but capital and mentorship remain scarce. By offering both funding and guidance, GET’s programme fills a critical gap. For founders, securing ₦2 million in grant funding alongside strategic mentorship could mean the difference between stalling out and scaling up.
Applications are now open, giving ambitious entrepreneurs a chance to turn their business dreams into thriving ventures.
