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Applications are now open for the Ekiti State Innovation Enterprise Support Fund (IESF), a major initiative of the Ekiti State Government aimed at supporting tech-enabled startups, innovators, and high-potential enterprises across the state.
Launched under the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the programme is designed to empower early-stage startups and transform bold ideas into scalable businesses through structured support, funding, and mentorship.
About the IESF Programme
The Innovation Enterprise Support Fund (IESF) is a strategic initiative focused on building a strong innovation ecosystem in Ekiti State while nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The programme will run for a period of two months and will guide selected startups through a carefully designed growth journey divided into key phases:
Programme Phases
- Ideation & Incubation
- Pre-Acceleration
- Acceleration
These phases are structured to help participants refine their ideas, validate their business models, and scale their solutions effectively.
What the Programme Offers
Beyond financial support, IESF provides a comprehensive support system to help startups grow and succeed. Selected participants will benefit from:
- Expert mentorship and advisory support
- Access to markets and investor networks
- Capacity development in digital and business skills
- A technology-driven selection and evaluation process
The programme also includes a two-week intensive bootcamp featuring business training, mentorship sessions, pitch development, and networking opportunities with industry experts.
In addition, funded startups will continue to receive post-programme support, including access to further funding opportunities, investor connections, and ongoing performance monitoring.
Public-Private Partnership Support
The initiative is further strengthened through funding support from FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, highlighting a strong collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive enterprise development and innovation in Ekiti State.
According to the Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, ‘Seun Fakuade:
“This is not just a funding initiative — it is a deliberate strategy to build a pipeline of globally competitive entrepreneurs and tech-enabled businesses from Ekiti. We are investing in ideas, but more importantly, in people and capacity.”
Programme Objectives
The IESF initiative is designed to:
- Strengthen Ekiti State’s innovation ecosystem
- Create jobs and stimulate enterprise growth
- Support youth, women, and underserved communities (with at least 40% of funding allocated to female-led enterprises)
- Position Ekiti as a leading innovation hub in Nigeria
Focus Areas
The fund supports innovations across multiple sectors, including:
- Technology and digital solutions
- Agriculture and food security
- Healthcare and wellness
- Education and skills development
- Environmental sustainability
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the IESF programme, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be a resident of Ekiti State
- Have a high-impact innovative idea or an existing startup
- Be willing to participate in the full bootcamp programme
Required Documents
Applicants are expected to prepare and upload the following documents:
- Valid government-issued ID
- Proof of Ekiti State residency (e.g. utility bill)
- Recent passport photograph
- Detailed project proposal
- Business plan (if applicable)
- Portfolio of previous work (if available)
Selection Process
Applications will go through a structured selection process, after which shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the bootcamp programme.
Successful participants will then progress through the programme phases and receive milestone-based funding and support.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants can submit their applications online via the official portal.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submission of applications has not been specified. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
