Application Portal Opens for SIA Startup Foundry, $10,000 Up for Grabs
- Nigerian entrepreneurs are set to get $10,000 (over N13 million) in grant funding from SIA Foundation
- Selected entrepreneurs will also receive intensive training, hands-on mentorship, and investor exposure
- The programme targets scalable ventures across technology, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and sustainability sectors
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Sola and Ibukun Adeyinka Foundation, a Lagos-based non-profit organisation, has officially opened applications for the third cohort of the SIA Startup Foundry.
The programme offers selected founders the opportunity to compete for grant funding of up to $10,000, equivalent to over N13 million.
Source: Facebook
New opportunity for Nigerian business owners
According to Sola Adeyinka, co-chair of the foundation, the programme was created to bridge the gap faced by many founders who lack structured guidance and institutional support to scale their businesses.
He said:
“Across Nigeria and the wider African continent, many entrepreneurs have innovative ideas and the drive to execute them, yet they often lack the formal support systems needed to scale successfully. The SIA Startup Foundry was established to close that gap by prioritising merit and potential, equipping founders with the tools to refine their models, strengthen operations, and position their ventures for long-term growth.
"We remain dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs who can build sustainable businesses, generate employment, and make lasting contributions to economic development.”
He also revealed that Successful applicants will participate in an intensive bootcamp covering financial management, sales systems, investment readiness, digital marketing, leadership, legal foundations and the use of artificial intelligence tools for business growth.
There are also opportunities for mentorship from industry leaders, exposure to investors and access to a strong peer network beyond the programme period.
Key features of the programme:
- Grant funding of up to $10,000 (over N13 million)
- Intensive business training bootcamp
- Hands-on mentorship from industry leaders
- Investor exposure and demo day participation
- Open to early-stage Nigerian startups across sectors
How to apply for SIA Startup Foundry.
Applications for the third cohort will close on March 13, 2026, with six promising ventures expected to receive funding after a competitive demo day.
Since its inception, the SIA Startup Foundry has recorded growing interest, with applications rising from 196 in its first cohort to 417 in the second, reflecting increasing confidence in the programme’s impact, BusinessDay reports.
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Previous beneficiaries have reported improved revenues, stronger operational systems, new partnerships and enhanced investor readiness following participation.
The foundation said the programme remains part of its broader mission to promote economic inclusion and entrepreneurship across Africa by nurturing founders capable of building sustainable, job-creating businesses.
To apply for the programme, use this link.
FG opens portal, Nigerians can borrow up to N300,000
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian government is set to empower market women, small-scale traders, and artisans with access to zero-interest loans of up to N100,000 through its upcoming programmes, MarketMoni and TraderMoni.
MarketMoni will provide market women with interest-free loans to grow working capital, restock inventory, and expand their businesses.
Beneficiaries will enjoy zero collateral, a 3-month moratorium before repayment, and nationwide coverage across all six geopolitical zones.
Source: Legit.ng
