This is an award ceremony recognising and celebrating micro and small businesses including start-ups that are transforming industries that impact millions of lives everyday in Nigeria.

Industries include:

  • Agriculture
  • Technology
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Photography
  • Media and communications
  • Food & Drinks
  • Manufacturing & Logistics
  • Professional services
  • E-commerce
  • Music
  • Finance and Fintech
  • Sports
  • Arts & Culture
  • Beauty & Make-up
  • Fashion
  • Creative writing & Content Creation
  • Event Planning
  • Health & Skin Care
  • Environment & Interior Decor
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Software & Design
  • Energy & Sustainability
  • Active Citizenship & Govt Engagement
  • Performing Art
  • Education

Eligibility Criteria:

  • The founder(s) must not be older than the age of 27 as at the time of receiving the award and the company must have been in existence for at least 3 years.
  • The founder must be a Nigerian.
  • The company must be contributing to social economic development in Nigeria.
  • The line of business must be ethical and in accordance to the Nigerian laws.
  • The business must be duly registered under the cooperate affairs commission of Nigeria.

About 25under25

The Nigeria’s 25 under 25 awards provides Fellows with a stipend, access to
finance, 12-months incubation, one-on-one leadership coaching, and access to a
diverse network of technical advisors, mentors, and potential investors for young
entrepreneurs.
The Nigeria’s under 25 Incubator program equips early-stage entrepreneurs with
the support they need to transform audacious ideas into scalable and sustainable
ventures. We do this by providing you with three things: space, community, and
access.

About 25under25

Space – Nigeria’s under 25 Incubator program was founded to ensure that all
young entrepreneurs, regardless of their economic background, can succeed. We
give you physical and mental space, so you can focus more of your energy on your
venture and achieving your full potential. The Nigeria’s under 25 Incubator
program provides for your Twelve months of free workspace at the SME100Africa
office, Shared meeting spaces including formal board rooms and creative spaces
and additional meeting spaces and performance spaces.

Community

Your journey as an entrepreneur is long and winding. You will
experience many ups and downs, and we understand that you will need lots of support along the way. Nigeria’s under 25 Awards builds a community of support around you through our unique incubation program, and a robust network of world-class mentors and advisors. These mentors and advisors are seasoned entrepreneurs, experienced change-makers, and leaders across sectors who want
to help you.

We organize events where the Entrepreneurs meet and network with other
founders who quickly become consultants, confidants, and close friends
• Join a family of 400+ Nigeria’s under 25 Fellows who have come before you
and are prepared to shine a light on the path ahead of you
• Some ventures are paired with an experienced, industry-specific mentor
who provides weekly guidance, accountability to achieve goals, and
support.
• Opportunities to meet with Nigeria’s under 25 Fellows and SME100Africa
broader network to build and nurture relationships

Access – You need an ecosystem to build, grow, and sustain a social enterprise.
The Nigeria’s under 25 Incubator program connects entrepreneurs with key
partners to advise and directly support you.
• Opportunities to present directly to ecosystem stakeholders, press, and
potential funders at final showcase events
• Access to a wide range of innovators, influencers, and community figures
through conferences and events
• During the course of the program, Fellows receive more than 100 hours of:
• Strategy and operations consulting
• Legal and business advice
• Technical advice
• One-on-one leadership coaching