NANSInnovate 2026: Nigerian students can now apply for free business funding programme
By Aboki Forex —
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has opened applications for NANSInnovate 2026, a national entrepreneurship programme for students with existing businesses or viable ideas. The programme is free and open to students from recognised universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria.
What NANSInnovate offers
NANSInnovate 2026 is organised by the NANS Headquarters under the leadership of Comr. Akinteye Afeez (BABTEE). The programme will run for one week and feature learning, networking and mentorship opportunities before ending with a national pitch competition.
The top 20 student entrepreneurs will present their businesses and ideas before judges at the pitch competition. Selected students will also get access to investors, mentors and industry leaders, plus business funding opportunities.
Who can apply
Applicants must be currently enrolled at a recognised university, polytechnic or college of education in Nigeria. They must be Nigerian citizens, have an existing business or viable business idea, and possess a valid student identity card. A business proposal in Microsoft Word format is also required.
Students from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are eligible. Accepted business categories include production and manufacturing, trading and merchandise, services, and agriculture. Both existing businesses and new business ideas can be submitted.
Required documents
Applicants need a valid student ID card and a business proposal in Microsoft Word format. Those who have them may also submit CAC or SMEDAN certificates. The student ID can be uploaded as JPG, PNG or PDF. The business proposal must be a .docx file.
The business proposal must not exceed 10 pages. It should use Times New Roman font, font size 12, single line spacing, and the file size must not exceed 5MB. The proposal should clearly explain the business and its potential.
Five steps to apply
First, get your valid student ID and business proposal ready. You can also prepare your CAC or SMEDAN certificate if you have one. Second, provide your personal information, school details and business information. You will also select your business category and indicate whether you are submitting an existing business or a new business idea.
Third, upload the required student ID and business proposal in the specified formats. Fourth, provide a short pitch of 100 words explaining your business. The pitch should highlight what the business does, why it matters and how you intend to use the funding to grow the business. Fifth, submit the application and save the unique application code you receive. The code may look like NANS-Inv-2026-K7T. You will need it to check your application status.
Free application and scam warning
The application is completely free. NANSInnovate warns that anyone requesting payment for entry should be treated as a potential scam and reported. Applicants should not make payments to anyone claiming to facilitate their application or secure selection.
In a related development, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has launched applications for its Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity & Knowledge Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.) initiative. The programme gives Nigerians access to digital devices through affordable consumer credit, helping students, workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs and job seekers purchase essential technology without paying the full amount upfront.