FG Launches iDICE Startup Bridge Offering ₦10m Grants, $100k Equity Investment for Startups
Nigeria’s federal government has launched the iDICE Startup Bridge, a two-track initiative designed to support early-stage founders with grants of up to ₦10 million and equity investment of $100,000 for more advanced startups.
- The programme operates under the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) initiative and is being implemented by the Bank of Industry, with funding support from the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank.
- Positioned as one of the federal government’s most ambitious startup support programmes in recent years, the initiative is structured to reach founders across all 36 states and the FCT.
- This signals a shift toward decentralising innovation funding beyond traditional hubs like Lagos and Abuja, where most startup capital has historically been concentrated.
- According to Cindy Ezerioha, the programme is designed to move founders from ideas to viable businesses by providing structured support.
Each cohort of the Founders Lab will train 125 entrepreneurs, focusing on helping them validate ideas, build business models, and develop minimum viable products.
- Launched in 2023 with $617.7 million in funding, the iDICE programme made its first startup investment in late 2025 through Ventures Platform.
- The Startup Bridge now extends that effort by focusing more deeply on early-stage founders through training, mentorship, and access to capital.
- The Founders Lab, which opened for applications on March 16, is a 12-week capacity-building programme targeting idea-stage entrepreneurs and those with early prototypes.
- Each year, 250 participants will receive training and mentorship, while the top 100 who meet programme milestones will qualify for grants of up to ₦10 million to support product development and business launch.
A second pathway, the Growth Lab, will target post-MVP startups with proven traction and revenue potential.
- Selected startups will receive $100,000 in equity investment, alongside support to scale operations, strengthen governance, and refine fundraising strategies.
- The programme will also connect startups directly to institutional investors, with opportunities for match funding where external investment is secured.
- Vice President Kashim Shettima described the initiative as a major opportunity for young entrepreneurs across the country to build and scale businesses, expressing confidence in its long-term impact on innovation and enterprise development.
- The Bank of Industry, which is implementing the programme, noted that it has already disbursed ₦636 billion to enterprises across sectors, including ₦43 billion to the creative and digital industries.
Its Managing Director, Olasupo Olusi, said the institution aims to replicate this success through the iDICE Startup Bridge.
Deadline: Ongoing
How to Apply
Interested applicant can apply via this link
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