Growing a business in Nigeria is no small feat. Entrepreneurs face hurdles ranging from branding and operations to securing funding.
That’s where the Naffiexquisite Empowerment Initiative (NEEI) Mentorship Cohort 2025 comes in.
This program isn’t just about guidance—it’s a chance to receive expert mentorship and even compete for a ₦3,000,000 grant to help scale your venture.
Whether you’re running a small enterprise or have already gained some traction, this initiative provides the coaching, structure, and financial boost needed to reach your next milestone.
What You’ll Gain from NEEI
Participants can expect a comprehensive support package, including:
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Three-week “Mini MBA” mentorship: Led by seasoned business experts, giving you insights you won’t find in textbooks.
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Access to tools and frameworks: Strategic business resources and practical frameworks to help streamline operations.
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Grant funding: Selected mentees can receive a ₦3,000,000 grant to deploy for business growth.
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Networking opportunities: Connect with NEEI’s partners, including ITHAC and Cynosure, as well as fellow entrepreneurs who can become collaborators or peers for accountability.
Who Should Apply
You’re a good fit for NEEI 2025 if you meet most of the following criteria:
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You are 18 years or older with valid identification.
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You operate a business that has been active for at least two years.
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Your business is registered with the CAC or currently in the registration process.
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You can clearly demonstrate how you intend to use the grant for growth.
Program Timeline
The mentorship experience runs for three weeks, after which selected participants will receive their grants and follow-on support.
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Application Deadline: October 20, 2025
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Mentorship Phase: 3 weeks
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Grant Distribution: After mentorship, for chosen participants
Smart Tips for Applicants
To maximize your chances, consider the following guidance:
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Be specific about grant use: Instead of saying “grow my business,” outline exact areas like marketing, hiring staff, equipment, or software.
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Show proof of operations: Provide invoices, sales records, or contracts to confirm that your business has been active for at least two years.
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Align mentorship goals with gaps: For example, if branding is weak, clearly state that you need mentorship in brand building, customer retention, or packaging.
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Be realistic in requests: Explain how each naira of the ₦3 million grant will be spent relative to your business size.
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Prepare for accountability: The program expects post-grant reporting on impact and results.
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Seek feedback on your draft application: Have a mentor or peer review your answers to catch unclear or exaggerated claims.
How to Apply
Applying is straightforward:
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Visit the application page and complete the form, including personal information, business background, current challenges, growth plan, and intended use of the grant.
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Submit your application before October 20, 2025.
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Wait for screening: Successful applicants will join the mentorship phase, and grant recipients will be selected afterward.
With the right preparation, NEEI 2025 could be the stepping stone your business needs to grow, thrive, and reach new heights in Nigeria’s competitive landscape.