The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially opened the application portal for the ICSS Grow Fund MSME Financing Scheme, in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), across all 36 states and the FCT.
This initiative is designed to empower youth entrepreneurs who are ready to build, structure, and scale sustainable businesses but face challenges in accessing funding and guidance.
About the ICSS Grow Fund
The Inspire, Create, Start, and Scale (ICSS) Grow Fund MSME Financing Scheme, powered by SMEDAN and supported by Jaiz Bank, is a strategic programme to bridge the financing gap for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges confronting young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. The ICSS Grow Fund aims to change this by combining structured training with responsible financing, ensuring that youth-led businesses are well-prepared for growth.
The programme aligns with the national agenda to equip young entrepreneurs with:
- The right skills to launch and manage businesses
- Access to viable markets
- Funding based on preparation and readiness
It promotes discipline, proper planning, and structured growth, supporting youth enterprise development under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Programme Structure
The fund is organized into four modules:
- Inspire – Develop business ideas and ignite entrepreneurial mindset
- Create – Learn to plan, structure, and validate your business concept
- Start – Launch your business with practical guidance and support
- Scale – Expand operations and formalize your enterprise for growth
Participants receive a step-by-step pathway to launch and grow successful enterprises, combining digital learning, in-person training, and ongoing support tailored to each business’s needs.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is open to:
- Recent graduates and young people seeking entrepreneurial skills
- Individuals with business ideas needing guidance to start
- Entrepreneurs running small ventures requiring refinement and validation
- MSMEs ready to formalize, expand, or scale operations
Applicants must demonstrate active participation and commitment to the programme.