About the Blooming Ventures Programme
*Blooming Ventures supports young Nigerian entrepreneurs working in the informal sector to grow their businesses into sustainable startups. The programme targets underserved youth, with priority given to street-involved and rural entrepreneurs who already run a small business or have a viable business idea.
The selected ambassador receives N500,000 seed funding and hands-on mentorship to help formalise their business, improve management skills, and increase income while creating positive social impact in their community. We are especially interested in businesses that contribute to community development, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
Over 12 weeks, the ambassador will work closely with an experienced startup and business coach to strengthen their business models, financial planning, and growth strategies. The programme is designed to help young entrepreneurs move from survival-level activity to stable, scalable enterprises.
Benefits
- N500,000 seed funding
- Become our maiden #BloomingVentures ambassador
- 12 weeks of business coaching and mentorship with a seasoned expert
- Become part of the Blooming Social Pen’s social impact community
Requirements
- Be 13-25 years old, Nigerian residing in Nigeria, with a demonstrable passion for entrepreneurship and social impact
- Access to a stable internet connection, a quiet meeting place, and a smartphone
- The selected ambassador will have to attend a 12-week virtual meeting, with the grant being awarded at the sixth week of the business coaching
- The selected ambassador will have to complete weekly practice tasks and assignments before the next meeting
- After the first 6 weeks of the business coaching, the selected ambassador will have to give a 15-minute speech on their experience of the business coaching and a 30-minute business plan presentation, showing how they will impact their local community with the grant
- Failure to meet these requirements may result in disqualification.
How to participate
Send your 800-word entry essay as a PDF document (saved with your official name), with a scanned copy of a Nigerian-based school ID card or one of the national means of identification (National ID card, permanent voter’s card, driver’s licence, or international passport) to [email protected]
The essay should revolve around the theme of “Should I stay, or should I go?”
In it, please show:
- Personal reasons for choosing to contribute locally to Nigeria
- Long-term goals to impact your local community
- Plans to grow sustainable solutions
- How the grant can improve or start up your local business
Application submission deadline: 28 September 2025 (12:59 pm WAT)
Only selected interviewees will be contacted on 14 November 2025 to proceed to the next stage.
Questions?
Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]if you have any questions concerning the #Street2Startup Programme.
People who send in their submissions will be added to our newsletter email list so we can keep them up to date with our future events and activities. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please email us at [email protected] if you do not wish to be added.
*This programme was initially launched as #Street2Startup in August 2025, but it was changed to its present form to highlight that Blooming Social Pen Trust Initiative is its sole funder. Earlier submissions will be used to announce the winner very soon.
