Are you a bold, innovative young Nigerian ready to turn a groundbreaking idea into a sustainable reality? The Fembol Student Innovation Grant (SIG) is back for 2025, offering an unparalleled opportunity for students to secure equity-free funding, expert mentorship, and invaluable brand visibility for their impactful ventures. Fembol Group is looking for the next generation of leaders with solutions that promise positive social and economic change, whether they are focused on profit, nonprofit, or a hybrid model.
Secure Up to NGN 3 Million in Equity-Free Funding
The core appeal of the Fembol SIG is the substantial financial backing provided to promising ideas. Successful applicants stand a chance to receive up to 3 Million Naira (NGN 3,000,000) in business grants. This funding is designed to give your venture the critical early capital it needs to scale, develop your minimum viable product (MVP), or solidify your market entry strategy. Importantly, this is equity-free funding—meaning you retain 100% ownership of your business. This commitment from Fembol Group underscores the belief in empowering young entrepreneurs without imposing early financial burdens.
A Complete Innovation Ecosystem
The Fembol Student Innovation Grant is much more than a financial award; it is a comprehensive accelerator package designed to transform concepts into scalable businesses. The program offers three key pillars of support:
1. Exclusive Innovation Bootcamp in Lagos, Nigeria
Selected participants will be immersed in a 3-day fully-funded innovation bootcamp in the vibrant commercial hub of Lagos, Nigeria. This intensive program is crafted to challenge your assumptions, pressure-test your business model, and significantly refine your solution. You’ll engage in high-impact workshops, expert-led training sessions, and connect directly with seasoned industry professionals, investors, and fellow innovators. The bootcamp culminates in a crucial Demo and Pitch Day, where you will present your refined business case to a panel of judges for a chance to secure the grant.
2. Personalized Business Mentorship
Following the bootcamp, grant recipients and high-potential teams gain one-on-one access to top industry leaders and dedicated mentors for a dedicated six-week period. This isn’t generic advice; this is personalized guidance from experts who have built successful businesses across various sectors, from FinTech and AgriTech to Renewable Energy and Education Technology. Your mentors will guide you through critical early-stage challenges, helping with strategic planning, team building, and market positioning. For deeper insight into the importance of mentorship in early-stage startups, consider exploring resources on startup accelerators and venture development strategies.
3. Enhanced Brand Visibility and Networking
Winning the Fembol SIG instantly elevates your brand’s profile. You will gain significant exposure through the extensive networks of Fembol Group and its associated partners. This visibility can lead to crucial media mentions, potential partnerships, and connections with future investors and key stakeholders—essential components for rapid growth and sustainable impact.
Who Should Apply? Challenge the Innovator in You
The Fembol Student Innovation Grant is specifically tailored to empower young talent currently shaping Nigeria’s future. To qualify for this impactful opportunity and stand a chance to win equity-free funding, ensure you meet the following criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nigerian Student | Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or Masters-level study program at any recognized Nigerian tertiary institution (University, Polytechnic, College of Education, etc.). |
| Age Requirement | Applicants must be aged between 16 and 28 years at the time of submitting the application. |
| Team Structure | While individual applications are accepted, applying in a team of 2–4 persons is strongly recommended as it often demonstrates a more robust capacity for execution and diverse skill sets. |
| Innovation Focus | Applicants must submit a co-created innovative idea or an existing solution that demonstrates impactful and sustainable potential. The solution should address a clear problem within your community or market. |
Key Dates to Mark on Your Calendar
The timeline for the 2025 Fembol Student Innovation Grant is tight, so prospective applicants must act swiftly to avoid missing critical deadlines.
to avoid missing critical deadlines.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 25, 2024 |
| Information Webinar | November 4, 5 PM (WAT) |
| Application Deadline | November 16, 2024 |
| Selected Participants Announcement | November 25, 2024 |
| Fembol Innovation Bootcamp | December 4 – 6, 2024 |
The Fembol Student Innovation Grant is a catalyst for change. If you possess a transformative idea and the drive to build a business that makes a difference, this is your moment. Don’t let this chance to secure NGN 3 Million and six weeks of expert mentorship pass you by.
Ready to challenge the innovator in you for sustainable impact?
https://www.fembolcsr.org/SIG-apply
Contact and Further Information
- About Fembol Group:
- FAQs & Student Innovation Grant Details:
- Contact: +234 805 541 5966
- Office Address (Lagos, Nigeria): 1B, Ann Close, Apapa, Lagos.