BTA2023 The federal government of Nigeria has launched the iDICE Startup Bridge, a new initiative designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs with grants and equity funding.
The programme will provide idea-stage founders grants of up to ₦10 million (about $7,215), while more advanced startups can access equity investment of up to $100,000 to scale their businesses.
The initiative is implemented by the Bank of Industry under the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme.
International Partners Back the Initiative
The iDICE programme is financed by major development institutions including:
- African Development Bank
- Agence Française de Développement
- Islamic Development Bank
Launched in 2023 with $617.7 million in funding, the iDICE programme aims to boost investment in Nigeria’s digital and creative economy.
Founders Lab to Support Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
The first track under the initiative, known as the Founders Lab, is a 12-week capacity-building programme targeting founders with early ideas or prototype-stage startups.
Each year the programme will:
- Train 250 aspiring entrepreneurs
- Provide mentorship and business development training
- Award up to ₦10 million grants to the top 100 founders
According to Cindy Ezerioha, Head of Founders Lab at iDICE Startup Bridge, the programme is designed to help founders transform ideas into viable businesses.
Growth Lab to Provide $100,000 Equity Funding
A second pathway called Growth Lab will target post-MVP startups that already demonstrate traction and revenue potential.
Selected startups will receive:
- $100,000 equity investment
- Governance and operational support
- Mentorship and investor connections
Startups that attract external investment may also qualify for match funding through the programme.
Expanding Nigeria’s Startup Ecosystem Beyond Major Tech Hubs
The government says the initiative is designed to reach founders across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, rather than focusing solely on traditional tech hubs such as Lagos and Abuja.
Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s Vice President and Chairman of the iDICE Steering Committee, said the programme could help reshape early-stage enterprise development in the country.
Applications for the Founders Lab opened on March 16, 2026, and will close on April 20, 2026, with startups selected through a merit-based evaluation process.
Industry observers say the success of the initiative will depend on whether it can deliver high-quality mentorship, investor connections, and scalable funding pipelines for Nigeria’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
