Inspire, Create, Start and Scale programme (ICSS) Program

by Admin · February 18, 2026

The Federal Government has launches GROW Fund to provide loans to over 6,000 youths trained under the Inspire, Create, Start and Scale programme. The programme was launched to address the lack of access to capital that is plaguing small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

The programme is being piloted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and was launched in Abuja. The launch was attended by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Society for Organisation, Planning and Training (SOPAT), and the Kaduna Business School.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ayodele Olawande, said the government was committed to ensuring that the training programmes provided to youths are geared towards creating opportunities for economic growth.

He said that lack of capital was one of the major challenges hindering youth development, saying that the GROW Fund would help to alleviate this problem. The beneficiaries will be able to borrow money from 250,000 to 5,000,000, depending on the size and scope of their initiative.

Table of Contents

ICSS Programme Summary

Application open: 17th February, 2026
Sponsored: Federal government
Host: SMEDAN
Country: Nigeria
Grant Loan: 250,000 to 5,000,000
Application Deadline: Not Specified

Available Modules

1. Inspire

This framework introduces self discovery, awareness, access to work, and business fundamentals to help people identify and plan their business opportunities.

Who is eligible

Must Aspiring entrepreneurs unsure where to start.
Must be an Individuals curious about business.
Must be a recent graduates and job seekers exploring entrepreneurship

Eligibility Criteria

ICSS is open to anyone interested in entrepreneurship.
Prior business experience without prior is eligible required.
Candidates willingness to participate actively.

2. Create

This course includes business fundamentals, concepts, models, and business model design to help participants turn ideas into viable, viable companies.

Who is eligible

Individuals with a business idea needing structure.
Individuals with Early stage entrepreneurs validating their concept.
Small business owners refining strategy also eligible

Eligibility Criteria

Must have a business idea
Must have a Basic understanding of the industry.
Must Commitment to module activities

3. Start

This course focuses on business plans, financial projections, and operational plans to support participants in launching and scaling their businesses.

Who is eligible

An Entrepreneurs ready to move from planning to execution.
Individuals with a validated idea needing guidance on launching.
Business owners formalizing operations

Eligibility Criteria

Clear business model and validated idea.
Willingness to implement marketing and sales strategies.
Commitment to launching the business

4. Scale

This course explores business growth, operational excellence, digital marketing, and growth strategies to prepare participants for valuation and investment.