iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Cohort 2 for Early-Stage Nigerian Entrepreneurs (Up To ₦10Million Grants)

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iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab is a 12-week capacity-building programme under the iDICE Startup Bridge initiative, designed to help early-stage founders take the first structured steps in building a digital or technical business.

Founders Lab is built for people who are at the very beginning of their entrepreneurial journey—whether you are starting with an idea, a prototype, or an early MVP—and need structure, guidance, and practical support to take the first real step in building a business. The programme focuses on learning by doing, helping founders move from an idea to a more defined product and business plan, with funding layered in to support progress.

iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab is designed to support founders through the early journey of building a business, including:

Turning an idea into a clear problem and solution
Validating whether real customers need what you are building
Designing or improving an MVP or early product
Developing a simple, practical business model
Creating an initial business plan and execution roadmap
Understanding basic operations, pricing, and costs

Programme Structure

Founders Lab runs for 12 weeks and is structured to guide aspiring entrepreneurs step by step through the early stages of building a startup.

Over the course of the programme, founders are supported to:

Clarify the problem they are solving and who they are solving it for
Test assumptions with real users and customers
Design, build, or improve an MVP or prototype
Develop a simple and realistic business model
Understand basic operations, pricing, and costs
Build a clear and practical business plan
Prepare for the next stage of growth or support

Learning is delivered through:

Peer learning and feedback
Group sessions at selected hubs
Structured online sessions
Mentor and ecosystem support
Practical assignments applied directly to each founder’s business

iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Programme Benefits

Founders who participate in iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab gain access to:

Practical tools and frameworks for early-stage execution
A structured, founder-focused curriculum
Mentorship from experienced founders and ecosystem experts
Peer learning and founder community
Access to regional hubs and support networks Performance-based access to funding opportunities
Clear pathways to further iDICE Startup Bridge support, including Growth Lab

iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Grant Details

Funding is a core component of iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab, but it is designed to enable execution, not substitute for it.
Access to funding is earned through active participation, demonstrated performance, and measurable progress throughout the programme.
Participants who successfully complete all programme requirements may be eligible for non-equity funding of up to ₦10,000,000 to support the early execution and launch of their businesses.
Funding eligibility is subject to final evaluation, compliance with programme milestones, and alignment with iDICE investment criteria.

Who Founders Lab is For

Founders Lab is designed for founders who:

Have an idea or prototype
Are interested in building a digital or tech enterprise
Have plans to operate in Nigeria.
Want to better understand their market, customers, and business model
Are ready to commit time and effort to structured learning and execution

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab, applicants must meet the following criteria

Business is at idea or market validation stage
Business will operate from any of the 36+ states in Nigeria + FCT Abuja
Founder is at least 18 to 35 years.
Ability to commit to a 12-week structured programme
Willingness to participate in learning sessions, assignments, evaluations, and Demo Day activities