Deadline: June 12, 2025
Applications are ongoing for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) 2025 Innovation Call for Green Business SMEs in Borno State. This initiative aims to promote sustainable business practices, generate employment, and contribute to environmental protection by supporting SMEs in green agriculture, green energy, and green waste management. Selected SMEs will receive financial support to either start or expand their businesses in line with the objectives of the project.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting displaced and vulnerable populations through livelihood development, education, legal assistance, and emergency response. As part of their ongoing commitment to fostering green entrepreneurship, through gender transformative approaches, NRC is launching an Innovation Call to identify and support three (3) successful Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the green economy.
Targeted Green Business Sectors
SMEs involved in the following sectors are encouraged to apply:
- Green Agriculture (Climate-Smart Agriculture – CSA)
- Hydroponics and greenhouse horticulture
- Aquaculture (fish farming)
- Poultry farming
- Organic fertilizer production
- Livestock and feed formulation
- Economic Seeds production
- Green Energy (Renewable/Clean Energy Solutions)
- Solar energy solutions
- Bioenergy production
- Alternative clean cooking energy
- Clean micro-irrigation technologies
- Green Waste Management & Recycling
- Organic and inorganic waste recycling
- Eco-friendly product development
- Sustainable plastic and paper waste processing
- Innovative technology that supports Climate Change actions
- Wind turbines energy
- Climate resilient crop production
Benefits
- Financial support to start or expand green businesses
- Capacity-building and mentorship from industry experts
- Networking opportunities with key stakeholders in the green economy
- Business visibility and potential market linkages
Eligibility
To qualify for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a legally registered SME in Nigeria with a presence in MMC and Jere LGAs or the capacity and visibility to operate there.
- Must demonstrate at least between 1 – 3 years of experience in the selected green business sector.
- Must have a clear and innovative business model aligned with sustainability and climate adaptation.
- Must propose a scalable business plan showing potential for growth and employment creation.
- Must be willing to participate in NRC’s monitoring and outcome evaluation process to measure business transformation and or impact assessment.
- Preference will be given to SMEs that are women-led or youth-focused and those that show a commitment to inclusivity.
- MANDATORY: Must be willing to provide internship and employment to selected and agreed number of TVET graduates under this project. A 3-4-month internship with no payment or stipend requirement for apprentices.
Application
Interested SMEs must submit an application covering the following details:
- Business Name and Registration Details
- Business Sector and Type of Green Business
- Description of Business Activities and Current Status
- Detailed Business Plan, including:
- Objectives and expected impact over specific period
- Budget breakdown and financial need
- Expansion or startup strategy
- Documented previous experience in green business operations
- Proof of previous work (photos, reports, certifications, etc.)
- Contact details (Name, Phone, Email)
All applications must be submitted to [email protected] no later than 12 June 2025 at 15:00 Nigeria time. Late submissions will not be considered.
For more information, visit Norwegian Refugee Council.
