FG Launches Startup Support Portal: How to Apply

In a move towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the Federal Government unveiled the Startup Support and Engagement Portal on Tuesday. This portal serves as a crucial component for implementing the Nigeria Startup Act, as announced by the Minister of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, via his official X account.

Tijani highlighted the portal’s role in identifying and aggregating Nigerian startups, venture capital firms, hubs, and innovation centers. Its primary aim is to facilitate engagement and support for players within the ecosystem.

“The launch of the portal will pave the way for establishing startup consultative forums, enabling the selection of representatives to the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” Tijani explained. This step is expected to facilitate discourse and consensus among various stakeholders in the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.

Minister Tijani extended an invitation to all Nigerian startups, venture capital companies, hubs, and innovation centers to register on the newly launched portal.

Additionally, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) urged startups, angel investors, venture capitalists, hubs, and innovation centers to visit the portal. They encouraged exploration of the available resources tailored to support these entities in their growth journey.

For startups eager to leverage this opportunity, the registration process is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit https://startup.gov.ng/

2.  Scroll down to find options for Startups, Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists or Accelerators, Innovation Hubs & Incubators.

3. Choose ‘Startups.’

4. Ensure your startup meets the following criteria:

• Registered as a limited liability company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).
• In existence for less than 10 years from the date of incorporation.
• Focused on innovation, development, production, improvement, and commercialization of a digital technology product or process.
• Holder or repository of a digital technology product or process, or owner/author of a registered software.
• At least one-third of local shareholding held by one or more Nigerians as founder or co-founder.
• Comply with the conditions outlined in the Act (for sole proprietorship or partnership).
• Tech-enabled business using existing tools, platforms, libraries, and frameworks for enhanced efficiency.

5. Enter the required details, including RC Number, Company Name, Year of Incorporation, Industry, Media, Startup Description, Company Email, Company Address, Company Website, Founder’s Full Name, Founder’s Email Address, Founder’s Phone Number, and Founder’s means of Identification (BVN or NIN).

6. Submit your application.

This initiative marks a significant step towards bolstering the Nigerian startup ecosystem, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity and contribute to the nation’s digital innovation landscape.