The AG-SME Bootcamp & Pitch Competition Cohort 2 for young Nigerian agripreneurs

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.