APPLY: ICSS Entrepreneurship Programme opens for Nigerian entrepreneurs
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:
Visit the official SMEDAN ICSS portal or the GIZ SEDIN entrepreneurship page
Choose the appropriate module (Inspire, Create, Start, or Scale)
Complete the online application form
Await selection and onboarding information via email or SMS
Note: Application is free, but slots are limited for each cohort.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY.