Apply for the ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Applications are invited for the ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme, a comprehensive initiative designed to empower aspiring and established entrepreneurs across Nigeria. ICSS, an acronym for Inspire, Create, Start, and Scale, offers a structured, modular training framework engineered to support business development from conceptualization through to expansion. Supported by strategic partners including SMEDAN and the Central Bank of Nigeria, the programme is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial resilience, innovation, and sustainability within Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) ecosystem.

Programme Overview – ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

The ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme operates as part of the broader SEDIN Programme, implemented by GIZ in collaboration with local partners. It is tailored to equip individuals at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey with essential knowledge, mentorship, practical tools, and robust support required to thrive in the current economic landscape.

The programme is delivered through four distinct tracks, customized to meet specific needs:

* **INSPIRE:** Designed for individuals exploring entrepreneurship. This foundational module is suitable for job seekers, students, and those contemplating a career transition into business. It focuses on developing self-awareness, problem-solving skills, market opportunity identification, and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, assisting participants in assessing the viability of entrepreneurship for them.

* **CREATE:** Geared towards individuals with nascent business ideas. Participants with early-stage concepts receive structured guidance on transforming ideas into viable business models. This module provides training in idea validation, prototyping, customer discovery methodologies, and the application of the business model canvas.

* **START:** Tailored for entrepreneurs prepared to launch their ventures. This track supports participants in transitioning from planning to operational execution. Key areas covered include:

* Business plan formulation

* Financial projections

* Establishing operational structures

* Business registration and formalization

Participants engage in practical training and receive guidance throughout the process of establishing their businesses.

* **SCALE:** An advanced module for existing business owners seeking structured support for growth and expansion. Training encompasses:

* Developing growth strategies

* Achieving investment readiness

* Talent management strategies

* Market expansion techniques

* Leveraging digitization for scale

This track is intended for businesses with established, consistent operations, existing staff, and demonstrable revenue streams.

Eligibility Criteria – ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Prospective applicants for the ICSS Programme must meet the following criteria:

* Be citizens or legal residents of Nigeria, aged 18 years or older.

* Demonstrate interest in initiating or expanding a business within Nigeria.

* Possess basic digital literacy and reliable access to a smartphone or computer.

* Apply to the specific track (Inspire, Create, Start, or Scale) that accurately reflects their current business stage.

* Be committed to attending scheduled virtual or physical training sessions and completing all required assignments.

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Applications from female entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and youth are particularly encouraged.

Training Format and Delivery – ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Programme training is delivered through a multifaceted approach:

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* Sessions are led by certified ICSS

trainers approved by SMEDAN and GIZ.

* In-person training is conducted in designated states and communities.

* Online platforms facilitate nationwide access to training resources.

* Participants benefit from personalized mentoring and coaching aligned with their respective tracks.

* Access to local entrepreneurship hubs and professional networks is provided.

Modules are delivered through cohort-based sessions to ensure high-quality instruction and foster peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

Benefits of Participation – ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Participants in the ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme gain access to a wide array of benefits, including:

* High-quality business training delivered by accredited experts.

* Practical toolkits and templates to aid in business planning.

* Access to a network of experienced mentors and fellow entrepreneurs.

* Linkages to essential business support services via local hubs.

* Support with business registration and formalization processes.

* Opportunities for exposure to funding mechanisms and microcredit programmes through ecosystem collaborations.

* Receipt of a Certificate of Completion from recognized institutions.

* Access to ongoing support services following the completion of training.

Entrepreneurs in the Scale track receive additional connections to investor-readiness bootcamps and potential pitching opportunities.

Target Audience – ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

The ICSS Programme is open to a diverse range of individuals and businesses:

* Individuals exploring the possibility of starting a business.

* Entrepreneurs holding early-stage business concepts.

* Startups preparing to launch or seeking to strengthen their operational foundation.

* Growth-stage MSMEs aiming to penetrate new markets, integrate digital solutions, or attract investment.

A customized learning pathway is available for everyone, whether contemplating entrepreneurship or poised for business expansion.

Click on the link below👇to apply 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGcIvheFmWmPT3AS_EHFFwAJJlHvgn6h9XzUV8VQHFb7_7Mg/viewform