Grooming Endowment Trust Opens 4th Cohort for Nigerian Startups
Small business owners and startup founders in Nigeria have another shot at funding as Grooming Endowment Trust (GET) officially launches the fourth cohort of its GETAccelerate programme.
The initiative, which has already supported 20 startups with more than ₦150 million in equity-free funding, is offering ₦2 million grants, mentorship, and business development support to 10 selected entrepreneurs this year.
The GETAccelerate initiative is designed to empower early-stage founders with both financial support and business development resources. Each selected entrepreneur stands a chance to access up to ₦2 million in equity-free grants, mentorship, training, and exposure to potential investors.
What the GETAccelerate 4th Cohort Offers
The new cohort comes with a full package for early-stage founders:
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Equity-Free Funding: Up to ₦2 million in grants.
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Mentorship: One-on-one coaching from industry leaders.
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Skill Development: Workshops to sharpen business and technical skills.
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Networking: Access to investors, innovators, and potential partners.
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Market Access: Guidance on entering and expanding into new markets.
This approach, known as GET Compass, ensures beneficiaries don’t just receive cash but also long-term growth support.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to small business owners and startup founders who meet the following criteria:
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Applicants must be 18 years or older.
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The business must be less than three years old.
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The founder must be available for a two-week workshop in Lagos.
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Applicants must run a registered business.
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Evidence of active and continuous business operations must be provided.
Applications are already open, and GET is encouraging founders to seize the opportunity while it lasts.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must currently be working in an underserved and remote environment.
- Must currently be working in an underserved and remote environment.
- Must show impact or innovation in teaching.
- Must show passion and plans for continuity in the profession to help more children and encourage others in the field.
- Must have a minimum of 5 years teaching experience.
The Importance to Nigerian Entrepreneurs
Access to funding remains one of the toughest challenges facing startups in Nigeria. Despite the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems, many founders struggle to secure the capital and mentorship needed to scale.
GET’s initiative is a direct response to this gap, focusing on high-potential businesses that can contribute to economic growth and job creation. The programme complements government-backed schemes like the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), which recently relaunched to provide loans and grants to millions of small traders and artisans nationwide.
While GEEP targets mass-market micro businesses, GET zeroes in on startups and SMEs with growth potential, offering not just money but the support systems needed to thrive.
If you are an early-stage founder with a registered business, this could be your shot at funding and mentorship. Would you apply for the GETAccelerate programme, or do you think more government-led support is still needed? Share your thoughts below.
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs can apply directly through the official portal.
https://getgrantprogram.groomingendowment.org/compassEvents
Applications are now open, and GET is encouraging young business owners to take advantage of the opportunity.