iDICE Startup Bridge (Get ₦10M) – Founders Building Programme | Nigeria
Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE), a Federal Government of Nigeria programme implemented by the Bank of Industry, is opening applications for the Founders Lab, a 12-week capacity-building programme under the iDICE Startup Bridge initiative. The programme is built for founders at the idea, prototype, or early-MVP stage who need structure and practical support to take the first real step in building a business.
Programme Overview
Founders Lab focuses on learning by doing, helping founders move from an idea to a defined product and business plan, with performance-based funding layered in to support progress. Delivery is mostly virtual, with mandatory physical sessions at designated regional hubs across Nigeria.
Eligibility Criteria
- Business is at idea or market-validation stage
- Business will operate from any of Nigeria’s 36 states or FCT Abuja
- Founder is aged between 18 and 35
- Able to commit to the full 12-week structured programme
- Willing to participate in learning sessions, assignments, evaluations, and Demo Day activities
Programme Focus Areas
- Turning an idea into a clear problem and solution
- Validating whether real customers need what you’re building
- Designing or improving an MVP or early product
- Developing a simple, practical business model
- Creating an initial business plan and execution roadmap
- Understanding basic operations, pricing, and costs
What You Get
- Practical tools and frameworks for early-stage execution
- A structured, founder-focused curriculum
- Mentorship from experienced founders and ecosystem experts
- Peer learning and founder community
- Access to regional hubs and support networks
- Performance-based access to non-equity funding of up to ₦10,000,000 for participants who complete all programme requirements
- A clear pathway to further iDICE Startup Bridge support, including Growth Lab
