Application Deadline: July 23rd, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 AG-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition. The AG-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition is a fully sponsored 3-day intervention designed to strengthen agricultural small and medium enterprises (Ag-SMEs), enhance investment readiness, deepen Business Development Service Provider (BDSP) linkages, and improve access to finance for young agri-entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Delivered by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) in partnership with AGRA, SMEDAN, and Kaduna Business School, this bootcamp goes beyond training — it is a structured journey that equips participants with clarity, confidence, and the right ecosystem to grow sustainable agribusinesses.
Program Objectives
- To strengthen the business capacity and investment readiness of young Ag-SME founders across key agricultural value chains.
- To deepen linkages between Ag-SMEs and Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) for sustained business growth.
- To improve participants’ access to finance through structured pitch training and exposure to funding opportunities.
- To provide catalytic grant support of up to ₦1,000,000 to the most investment-ready agri-businesses at the pitch competition.
- To deliver one month of post-bootcamp advisory support to help participants implement what they have learned.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Between 18 and 35 years old.
- Business Focus: Currently running or actively building an agri-business with a specific value-chain focus on rice, maize, or soyabeans.
- Engagement: Must be ready to engage actively, receive feedback, and work on improving their business model throughout the programme.
- Location: Must be able to participate in person at the designated bootcamp venue and must be from the south – west, south – south and south – east.
How to Apply
- Step 1 – Complete the Registration Form Fill out the online registration form on this page with accurate details about yourself and your agri-business.
- Step 2 – Describe Your Business Provide a clear description of your agribusiness, the value chain you operate in (rice, maize, or soyabeans), and the stage your business is currently at.
- Step 3 – Submit Your Application Review your details and submit your application before the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered.
- Step 4 – Shortlisting & Notification Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email or phone with further details on next steps and the bootcamp schedule.
- Step 5 – Attend the Bootcamp Selected participants will attend the fully sponsored 3-day bootcamp and compete in the final pitch session for grants of up to ₦1,000,000.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the AG-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition
