FGN-ALAT Skillnovation Grant Overview

 

The FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Program offers a valuable opportunity for startups and SMEs facing financial challenges by providing access to grants. These grants not only provide financial support but also serve as an endorsement of the entrepreneurial drive behind these businesses. The primary goal is to ease the initial financial pressures, enabling startups and SMEs to concentrate on innovation, growth, and making a lasting impact in their industries.

Eligibility Criteria for Angel Investment and VC Funding

- Business Type: Open to tech-enabled businesses across all sectors, with a preference for industries such as agriculture, retail, housing, clean energy, transportation, logistics, data, infrastructure, privacy, and security.

- Business Stage: Targeting seed-stage and early-stage businesses.

- Geographic Market: Must be based in Nigeria.

- Maximum Investment: Up to $100,000 per business.

- Maximum Valuation: Post-investment valuation capped at $2 million.

- Scalability and Team: The business should demonstrate a scalable solution and have a dedicated, high-potential team.

- Ethical and Legal Standards: The business must adhere to ethical standards and face no legal issues.

Businesses meeting these criteria have a better chance of accessing angel investment and venture capital opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for Grants

- Sector Focus: Open to tech-enabled businesses in any sector, with priority given to agriculture, retail, housing, clean solutions, transportation, logistics, data, privacy, and energy innovation.

- Grant Amount: Up to ₦500,000.

- Development Stage: Early-stage businesses with potential for growth and scalability.

- Operational Market: Must be operational in Nigeria, with services or products targeting the Nigerian market.

- Team Strength: The business should have a capable and committed team.

- Ethical and Legal Standards: Adherence to ethical standards and compliance with legal regulations is required.

Eligible participants will go through a transparent and competitive process to secure these grants.

Eligibility Criteria for Loans

- Sector Focus: Open to tech-enabled businesses in trade, commerce, healthcare, education, agriculture, and clean energy.

- Loan Amount: Loans of up to ₦5 million are available.

- Business Stage: Early to mid-stage businesses with a proven track record and growth potential.

- Operational Market: Businesses must operate in Nigeria or serve the Nigerian market.

- Repayment Capacity: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to repay through stable revenue or a solid business plan.

- Credit History: A good credit history is required, or for new businesses, a personal credit check of the founders.

- Collateral: Depending on loan terms, collateral or personal guarantees may be needed.

- Ethical and Legal Standards: Businesses must adhere to ethical practices and comply with relevant legal requirements.

Applicants who meet these conditions will undergo a transparent and competitive process for loan approval.

Apply at: https://fgn-alat.dimpified.com/register/

Apply for the IITA Agribusiness Training and Business Incubation 2024

 

Agriculture enthusiasts are encouraged to apply for the 2024 IITA Agribusiness Training and Business Incubation.

About the IITA Agribusiness Training and Business Incubation:

The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites Nigerians to participate in its 2024 Agribusiness Training Program. This six-month program provides training, mentorship, and business development opportunities in the Horticulture, Aquaculture, and Poultry sectors. For application details, please read the full post.

Eligible Fields:

- Agriculture

Type:

- Training

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

- Be between 18 and 35 years old.

- Be available for the entire six-month duration of the program.

Eligible Countries:

- Nigeria

Location of Training:

- Nigeria

Program Benefits:

Participants will gain:

- Skills to start an agribusiness.

- Support in creating a bankable business plan.

- Access to low-interest financing.

- Market opportunities.

- Networking with other agripreneurs.

- Membership in a cooperative.

- A certification upon completing the program.

Program Duration:

- 6 months

How to Apply:

Visit: Application link

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the delayed release of findings concerning an alleged N585 million fraud involving suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.

In a press statement signed by Aminu Abbas, the Convener of the CSOs, the groups questioned the EFCC’s silence, especially given President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision to suspend Dr. Edu in January 2024 over allegations of financial mismanagement.

The suspension followed claims of unauthorized disbursement of N585 million. Additionally, Dr. Edu reportedly approved flight fares for ministry staff traveling to Kogi State, despite the lack of a functional airport there, further raising concerns about potential fund mismanagement.

The CSOs also expressed concerns over the apparent difference in treatment between Dr. Edu and Halima Shehu, the former CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, who was suspended alongside Dr. Edu but has since been replaced.

The groups called for transparency and urged the EFCC to release its findings on the allegations, arguing that the delay undermines the presidency’s anti-corruption stance and erodes public trust.

Abbas stated, “While we commend the swift action against Halima Shehu, we are disappointed by the silence surrounding Dr. Betta Edu. This selective approach raises doubts about the administration's commitment to justice.”

He added that Nigerians deserve to know the truth and called for Dr. Edu’s replacement, emphasizing the importance of fairness, transparency, and restoring public confidence in government institutions.