ABUJA — The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has officially launched the GROW Fund, a strategic financing window designed to bridge the gap between business training and capital. Unveiled on February 17, 2026, the fund is specifically targeted at 6,122 graduates of the Inspire-Create-Start-Scale (ICSS) programme, transforming them from “trained” to “bankable” entrepreneurs.
Managed in partnership with Jaiz Bank, the initiative offers affordable, single-digit interest loans to help MSMEs acquire essential operational equipment like machinery, laptops, and renewable power solutions.
The ICSS Journey: From Idea to Investment
The GROW Fund is not a standalone grant but a reward for the discipline shown throughout the four modules of the ICSS curriculum:
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Inspire: Focuses on self-discovery and entrepreneurship fundamentals for aspiring founders.
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Create: Guides early-stage ventures through business modeling and prototyping.
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Start: Supports entrepreneurs ready to launch with business planning and financial projections.
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Scale: Prepares established businesses for expansion, digital marketing, and investor readiness.
Funding Tiers & Eligibility
The GROW Fund provides structured financial support based on the entrepreneur’s specific stage:
| Funding Tier | Loan Range | Target Beneficiary |
| START Loan | ₦250,000 – ₦2,000,000 | New businesses moving from planning to execution. |
| SCALE Loan | ₦1,000,000 – ₦5,000,000 | Operational businesses with proven revenue looking to expand. |
Key Eligibility Requirements:
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ICSS Certification: Completion of at least one ICSS module.
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Viable Business Plan: A standardized plan developed during training.
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SMEDAN Registration: Valid enlistment on the official SMEDAN Portal.
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Commitment: Willingness to implement growth strategies and demonstrate repayment commitment.
Bridging the “Intelligence Divide”
By providing single-digit loans for power solutions and digital tools, SMEDAN is enabling youth-led startups to survive the current energy and connectivity challenges.
According to SMEDAN Director-General Charles Odii, the pilot phase is already active in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, Edo, and Niger States, with 100 beneficiaries receiving initial disbursements this February.
“This programme rewards preparation, recognises discipline and provides structured support beyond sentiment,” stated Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.
How to Apply in 2026
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Register: Visit smedan.gov.ng/icss to join an upcoming cohort.
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Complete Training: Participate in the module that matches your stage (Inspire, Create, Start, or Scale).
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Unlock Funding: Once certified, apply for the GROW Fund through the integrated Jaiz Bank portal link provided to graduates.
