Deadline: July 24, 2026
Applications are open for the Ag-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition 2026. The AG-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition is a fully sponsored 3-day intervention designed to strengthen agricultural small and medium enterprises (Ag-SMEs), enhance investment readiness, deepen Business Development Service Provider (BDSP) linkages, and improve access to finance for young agri-entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Delivered by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) in partnership with AGRA, SMEDAN, and Kaduna Business School, this bootcamp goes beyond training — it is a structured journey that equips participants with clarity, confidence, and the right ecosystem to grow sustainable agribusinesses. In Cohort 1, 8 entrepreneurs walked away with ₦1,000,000 grants each after transforming their business ideas into tighter, more investment-ready pitches.
Benefits
- Shortlisted participants will pitch their businesses before a panel of judges. Up to 8 winners will each receive a catalytic grant of ₦1,000,000.
Eligibility
- Applicant should be aged between 18 and 35 years old.
- Currently running or actively building an agri-business with a specific value-chain focus on rice, maize, or soyabeans.
- Must be ready to engage actively, receive feedback, and work on improving their business model throughout the programme.
- Must be able to participate in person at the designated bootcamp venue and must be from the south – west, south – south and south – east.
Application
- Step 1 – Fill out the online registration form with accurate details about yourself and your agri-business.
- Step 2 – Provide a clear description of your agribusiness, the value chain you operate in (rice, maize, or soyabeans), and the stage your business is currently at.
- Step 3 – Review your details and submit your application before the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered.
- Step 4 – Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email or phone with further details on next steps and the bootcamp schedule.
- Step 5 – Selected participants will attend the fully sponsored 3-day bootcamp and compete in the final pitch session for grants of up to ₦1,000,000.
For more information, visit Ag-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition.
