Ag-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition Cohort 2 for Nigerian Agri SMEs (Up To ₦1,000,000 Catalytic Grant)

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Applications are open for Ag-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition Cohort 2. 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. Cohort 2 is now open. If you are serious about your agribusiness, this is where the journey gets structured.

Ag-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition Core Objectives & Benefits

To strengthen the business capacity and investment readiness of young Ag-SME founders across key agricultural value chains.
To deepen linkages between Ag-SMEs and Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) for sustained business growth.
To improve participants’ access to finance through structured pitch training and exposure to funding opportunities.
To provide catalytic grant support of up to ₦1,000,000 to the most investment-ready agri-businesses at the pitch competition.
To deliver one month of post-bootcamp advisory support to help participants implement what they have learned.

Prizes

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 Criteria

Age: Between 18 and 35 years old.
Business Focus: Currently running or actively building an agri-business with a specific value-chain focus on rice, maize, or soyabeans.
Engagement: Must be ready to engage actively, receive feedback, and work on improving their business model throughout the programme.
Location: Must be able to participate in person at the designated bootcamp venue and must be from the south – west, south – south and south – east.

How To Apply for Ag-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition

Applying for the AG-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition – Cohort 2 is simple and free:

Step 1 – Complete the Registration Form Fill out the online registration form on this page with accurate details about yourself and your agri-business.
Step 2 – Describe Your Business 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 – Submit Your Application Review your details and submit your application before the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered.
Step 4 – Shortlisting & Notification Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email or phone with further details on next steps and the bootcamp schedule.
Step 5 – Attend the Bootcamp 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.

Click Here To Apply and for details

Application Deadline: 23 July 2026