Young creatives now have another opportunity to apply for grants, soft loans, and equity capital to grow their businesses according to the Nigerian government’s extension of the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) application deadline until June 30, 2025. This extension, which was originally scheduled to end on May 30, gives innovative companies more time to submit compelling applications and supporting documentation.
The CEDF, which was unveiled by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, is a component of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy and create 2 million jobs and over $100 billion in GDP by 2030.
What Is CEDF and Why It Matters
CEDF is a dedicated financial support system for Nigeria’s booming creative sector — including music, fashion, film, gaming, tourism, and digital content creation. What makes this program different is its IP-backed financing, meaning you can apply without traditional collateral. Your intellectual property — whether a music track, YouTube series, fashion design, or mobile game — can qualify as your main asset.
This is a major shift in how financing works in Nigeria. Creatives with profitable or high-potential work now have a real path to business expansion without needing buildings or cars to secure a loan.
Who Should Apply?
If you’re a Nigerian youth running a legally registered business with a clear creative product or service, you may be eligible. CEDF is open to:
- Film and TV producers
- Fashion designers and stylists
- Musicians, songwriters, and audio producers
- Game and animation developers
- Digital creators and YouTubers
- Cultural tourism entrepreneurs
You must be operating in Nigeria and show proof of business activity tied to the creative economy.
Types of Funding You Can Get
CEDF offers three funding options depending on your business stage and goal:
Grant – Perfect for early-stage ideas with community impact.
Loan – Best for expansion, rebranding, or scaling operations.
Equity – Ideal for startups looking to work with serious investors.
Application Guide – What You Need
To qualify and stand out, applicants are advised to:
Describe your intellectual property – List the product you’ve created (songs, videos, fashion collections) and how they earn money.
Explain your business model – How do you get customers? What are your sales channels?
Estimate your IP’s value – Share real data if possible, like YouTube views, stream counts, or sales figures.
Pick the right funding category – Decide whether your idea fits a grant, loan, or equity offer.
Plan for growth – Mention how this funding will help your business grow, hire staff, or reach new markets.
Tell your story – A personal background about your creative journey helps investors understand your vision.
Attach documents – Registration, tax records, proof of past work, and any awards or certifications.
Deadline for Phase 1
The application window closes June 30, 2025, and early application is highly encouraged to avoid last-minute issues. Delays on the final day might cost you the chance to be selected.
YOU CAN CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO APPLY
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP AND SET UP YOUR PROFILE FIRST
THEN CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION
Note: They are two different applications and sites all are working together
The best of luck
These platforms also offer walkthroughs, updates, and guides to help youth complete their applications smoothly.
Apply now. Build the future. No youth is left behind.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SKILL ACQUISITION AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (TVET) 2025
