Chocolate City Opens $1 Million Creative Fund: How Nigerian Startups Can Apply for Up to $50,000

Chocolate City Group has opened applications for the first edition of its Founders Fund Africa Creative Economy Accelerator Programme. Selected startups will receive between $20,000 and $50,000 in funding from a $1 million pool.

The programme targets startups in music, film, design, creative technology, and other creative industries. Applications for the inaugural cohort of 10 startups close on August 28, 2026, through the official Founders Fund Africa portal.

Partners and Launch

The fund was unveiled during Chocolate City's 20th anniversary celebrations in October 2025. It operates in partnership with Argentil Capital Management Limited and Co-Creation Hub. Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa formally launched the programme, according to Punch reports.

Ten startups will be chosen to join an intensive accelerator designed to sharpen their business models, build investor readiness, and open doors to capital, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.

What the Chairman Says

Audu Maikori, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Chocolate City Group, said the programme was built to close the gap that prevents many creative entrepreneurs from accessing the support they need to grow their businesses.

“Founders Fund Africa was created to unlock opportunities for the next generation of creative entrepreneurs. Across Africa, we’re seeing founders build innovative businesses that are redefining music, film, design and technology, yet many still struggle to access the support they need to scale,” Maikori said.

He added that the programme is looking for founders with bold ideas, strong execution, and ambition to shape Africa’s creative economy.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Applicants should follow these eight steps to submit their entries:

Step 1: Visit the official Chocolate City Creative Fund website and click the application button.

Step 2: Create an account by providing your name, email address, and other required information.

Step 3: Select your creative sector. Options include music, film, fashion, gaming, content creation, creative technology, and other creative industries.

Step 4: Provide details about your project or business, including a description, stage of development, target audience, business goals, and expected impact.

Step 5: State your funding needs. Indicate the amount required and explain how the money will be used to grow your venture.

Step 6: Upload supporting documents. Vanguard reports these may include business registration documents, portfolio or previous work, pitch deck or business plan, financial information, and other relevant materials.

Step 7: Review your application carefully to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Step 8: Submit your application for consideration under the Chocolate City $1 million Creative Fund.

What Successful Startups Get

Selected startups gain not only funding but also access to mentorship, strategic partnerships, and industry support designed to help them build sustainable creative businesses and scale across Africa.

For Nigerian creative entrepreneurs, this fund offers a rare shot at equity-free capital and acceleration at a time when access to early-stage funding for the creative sector remains tight. If successful grantees build viable ventures, the ripple effects could strengthen the local creative economy and create jobs, giving the naira more activity in music, film, and tech-related services.