Gem Hunt 5.0: "From Roots to Riches" — A New Shot at Funding and Visibility for Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs
If you're a young hustler building something real — whether it's a tailoring business, a farm, a tech idea, or a market stall — there's a new opportunity worth your attention. Bilaad Development Trust (BDT), in partnership with Gem Hunt, has launched the 5th edition of its flagship entrepreneurship competition, themed "From Roots to Riches: Building Nigeria's Next Generation of Entrepreneurs."
What Is Gem Hunt 5.0 About?
Gem Hunt is Bilaad Development Trust's signature entrepreneurship initiative, now in its 5th edition. Past editions have spotlighted young female entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and community-driven businesses across Nigeria, awarding cash prizes, mentorship, and strategic linkages to winners.
This edition is different in scope — it's open to a wider range of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) across six key sectors:
- Tech
- Creatives
- Fashion
- Agriculture
- Renewable Energy
- Retail and Trade
According to the official programme description, Gem Hunt 5.0 is built on real competition, market validation, and investor-readiness coaching, with top finalists getting the chance to pitch live to a panel of investors and industry leaders. It's positioned as a platform for genuine "builders" — people already doing the work, not just people with an idea on paper.
Who Is It For?
Gem Hunt 5.0 is open to young Nigerians who meet all of the following criteria:
-Age: 15 – 35 years at the time of application
-Nationality/Residency: Must be a Nigerian citizen, resident in Nigeria (open to applicants across all 36 states and the FCT)
-Business stage: You must already have an existing business or startup — from early-stage to growth-stage. Pure concept entries with no evidence of activity will not be considered
-Sector: All MSME segments are welcome, as long as your venture demonstrates at least one of the following:
Inclusion of informal workers into the formal economy
- Job creation
- Productivity
- Local content development
- Financial inclusion
In short: if you're already running something — from your bedroom, a market stall, a cooperative, or a registered startup — and it addresses a real gap in Nigeria's informal economy, you qualify to apply.
What You Need to Submit
Every applicant must:
-Complete the online application via the official Gem Hunt 5.0 portal before the closing date
-Submit a Preliminary Challenge video titled "My Hustle Story" — a 2-minute video covering:
-Who you are and what your venture does
-The problem you solve and who you serve
-Proof of work (show your product or service in action — evidence, not just ideas)
-Ensure all content is original, honest, and accurately represents your venture
-Record the video in a well-lit setting with clear audio and good resolution
Note: Applications with fabricated, plagiarized, or misleading information will be automatically disqualified. Shortlisted applicants move on to a Primary Challenge stage and will be contacted by email or phone.
As of publishing, Bilaad Development Trust's official Gem Hunt 5.0 page asks applicants to submit "before the closing date" but does not publish a specific closing date on the site. To avoid missing out, follow BDT's official channels closely for the exact deadline announcement:
Instagram: @bilaaddevelopment
Facebook: Bilaad Development Trust
X (Twitter): @BilaadDevTrust
LinkedIn: Bilaad Development Trust
How to Apply
You can register for Gem Hunt 5.0 directly here:
👉 Apply for Gem Hunt 5.0 https://bilaaddevelopmenttrust.com/gem-hunt-5-0/
Or visit the general BDT website: www.bilaaddevelopmenttrust.com
Why This Matters
Bilaad Development Trust was founded by the team behind Bilaad Realty as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative focused on three pillars: Education, Entrepreneurship, and Change Advocacy. Gem Hunt has become their most visible entrepreneurship vehicle, with past editions delivering cash prizes, business grants, mentorship, and market linkages to winners across categories like fashion, agriculture, tech, and services.
For Arewa and Northern Nigerian entrepreneurs especially — many of whom run informal or semi-formal businesses in fashion, agriculture, and trade — Gem Hunt 5.0 is a rare opportunity to get visibility, investor exposure, and structured coaching without needing to already be "polished" or fully formalized.
If you've been building quietly, this might be your moment to be seen.
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