The Edo State Government has opened applications for the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF) 2.0 Grant Programme 2026, an initiative designed to empower young entrepreneurs by providing funding, mentorship, and business development support for innovative startups.
The programme will distribute a total of ₦40 million in grants to promising youth-led ventures across different stages of growth.
According to the organisers, the initiative seeks to help young entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses capable of creating jobs and contributing to economic development in Edo State and beyond.
Beyond financial support, beneficiaries will also gain access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and capacity-building programmes.
The grant programme is divided into three funding categories based on the maturity of each business.
The Scale Track will award one grant of ₦10 million to a revenue-generating startup with proven market traction, while the Build Track offers three grants of ₦5 million each to early-stage startups with a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and initial customer traction.
The Idea Track provides six grants of ₦2.5 million each for entrepreneurs with validated business ideas that are yet to develop an MVP.
Applicants are expected to choose the funding category that best matches their startup's stage of development.
Each category is designed to ensure that businesses receive support appropriate to their level of growth and readiness.
The EYIF was established to inspire, equip, and empower young people through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership development, and civic engagement.
Since its launch, the initiative has evolved into a broader platform focused on providing young Nigerians with access to capital, practical skills, mentorship, and strategic partnerships that can accelerate business growth.
Organisers say the programme aims to address challenges such as youth unemployment, limited access to startup funding, and inadequate business support systems by creating an ecosystem where innovative ideas can grow into sustainable enterprises.
The forum also seeks to strengthen collaboration between government, the private sector, investors, and young innovators.
In addition to grant funding, successful applicants will participate in mentorship sessions, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and business support programmes designed to improve their chances of long-term success.
These interventions are intended to help beneficiaries build resilient businesses capable of attracting additional investment in the future.
The organisers encouraged eligible young entrepreneurs to submit strong applications highlighting the innovation, impact, and scalability of their business ideas.
They noted that the programme is open to startups at different stages, ensuring opportunities for both aspiring founders and existing businesses with growth potential.
The Edo Youth Impact Forum will also bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders, development partners, and young innovators to discuss entrepreneurship, innovation, and youth development.
Organisers believe the event will serve as a platform for collaboration while showcasing some of the state's most promising startups.
Interested applicants are advised to complete their registration before the closing date, as late submissions may not be considered.
The organisers have also urged applicants to carefully select the funding category that best reflects the current stage of their business.
Deadline: July 15, 2026.