APPLY: ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme opens for Nigerian entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for the ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme—a transformative initiative aimed at empowering aspiring and existing entrepreneurs across Nigeria. ICSS, which stands for Inspire, Create, Start, and Scale, provides a structured and modular training framework to support business growth from ideation to expansion. Backed by partners including SMEDAN and the Central Bank of Nigeria, the programme seeks to boost entrepreneurial resilience, innovation, and sustainability within Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem.

About the ICSS Programme

The ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme is part of the broader initiative under the SEDIN Programme, implemented by GIZ and supported by local partners. It equips individuals at various business stages with knowledge, mentorship, tools, and support needed to thrive in today’s dynamic economy.

The programme is delivered in four tailored tracks:

INSPIRE: For Individuals Exploring Entrepreneurship

This introductory module is ideal for job seekers, students, and career changers curious about entrepreneurship. It focuses on self-awareness, problem-solving, market opportunity identification, and business mindset development. It helps participants decide whether entrepreneurship suits them.

CREATE: For Those with Business Ideas

Participants with early-stage business ideas receive structured guidance in transforming concepts into viable models. This module provides training on idea validation, prototyping, customer discovery, and the business model canvas.

START: For Entrepreneurs Ready to Launch

Entrepreneurs in the Start module are those ready to move from planning to operations. This track covers:

• Business plan development

• Financial forecasting

  
  
  

• Operational structure

• Registration and formalisation

Participants will gain hands-on training and be guided through setting up their ventures.

SCALE: For Growth-Ready Businesses

This advanced module is for existing business owners seeking structured support to expand. Training includes:

• Growth strategy design

• Investment readiness

• Talent management

• Market expansion

  
  
  

• Digitization for scale

Businesses should already have consistent operations, staff, and revenue streams.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be considered for the ICSS Programme, applicants must:

• Be Nigerian citizens or residents aged 18 and above

  
  
  

• Be interested in starting or growing a business in Nigeria

• Have basic digital literacy and access to a smartphone or computer

• Apply to the track (Inspire, Create, Start, or Scale) that matches their current business stage

• Be willing to attend virtual or physical training sessions and complete all assignments

Female entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and youth are especially encouraged to apply.

TRAINING FORMAT AND DELIVERY

Training for the ICSS Programme is delivered through:

• Certified ICSS trainers approved by SMEDAN and GIZ

• In-person sessions in selected states and communities

• Online platforms, allowing nationwide access to training resources

• Mentoring and coaching, tailored to each participant’s track

• Access to local entrepreneurship hubs and networks

Modules are rolled out in cohort-based sessions to ensure quality delivery and peer-to-peer support.

BENEFITS OF THE ICSS ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME

Participants in the ICSS Programme will enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

• Business training from accredited experts

• Practical toolkits and templates for business planning

• Access to mentors and peer networks

• Linkage to business support services through local hubs

• Opportunities for business registration and formalisation

• Exposure to funding and microcredit programmes (in collaboration with ecosystem partners)

• Certificate of Completion from recognized institutions

• Ongoing support even after training completion

For entrepreneurs in the Scale track, there are also connections to investor-readiness bootcamps and pitch opportunities.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The ICSS Programme is open to:

• Individuals exploring entrepreneurship

• Entrepreneurs with early-stage business ideas

• Startups looking to launch or strengthen operations

• Growth-stage MSMEs targeting new markets, digital tools, or investment

Whether you’re just thinking about starting a business or you’re ready to expand one, there’s a customised learning path for you.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should:

1. Visit the official SMEDAN ICSS portal or the GIZ SEDIN entrepreneurship page

2. Choose the appropriate module (Inspire, Create, Start, or Scale)

3. Complete the online application form

4. Await selection and onboarding information via email or SMS

Note: Application is free, but slots are limited for each cohort.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY.