Nigerian AgriTech founders can access ₦20m through FCMB-FMO programme 2025
The FCMB-FMO AgriTech Investment Readiness Programme 2025, delivered in partnership with Heave Ventures, is now open for applications. Designed for agri-tech startups and SMEs across Nigeria, this initiative offers a competitive ₦20 million grant pool, investor-readiness training, and access to a high-value network of banks, development partners, and market experts.
Launched by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), with delivery support from Heave Ventures, the programme directly addresses one of the biggest hurdles for agri-tech businesses, limited access to capital and investor confidence. By blending targeted grants with a six-week boot camp, the initiative aims to prepare Nigeria’s most promising agri-tech ventures to scale and secure institutional financing.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, employing over 35% of the population and contributing around 24% to GDP. Yet, despite this size, agri-tech ventures innovating with digital tools, sustainable inputs, or improved supply chains often struggle to attract financing. Many lack the investor readiness required to transition from a pilot stage to a scalable enterprise.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a growing wave of startups tackling inefficiencies across the agricultural value chain, from drone-based crop monitoring to digital farmer marketplaces. However, while solutions are emerging, entrepreneurs continue to face structural barriers: limited collateral, weak investor linkages, and a shortage of tailored funding vehicles. The FCMB-FMO AgriTech Investment Readiness Programme 2025 seeks to close this gap by combining financial support with hands-on technical and strategic guidance, giving founders both credibility and capacity to secure larger pools of capital.
Who can apply
Agri-tech startups and SMEs operating in Nigeria are encouraged to apply if they are tackling meaningful challenges within the agricultural value chain. Eligible ventures should already demonstrate a viable business model with clear traction or consistent revenue. The FCMB-FMO AgriTech Investment Readiness Programme 2025 is particularly seeking founders who are not only looking for capital but are also eager to gain greater market access and scale their solutions.
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What selected startups stand to gain
Only 20 ventures will make it into the six-week FCMB-FMO AgriTech Investment Readiness Programme 2025. Those who do will access:
- ₦20 million grant pool: non-repayable capital for the most investment-ready startups in the programme
- Hands-on coaching: growth strategies, capital planning, and investor communication designed for agri-tech founders in the FCMB–FMO programme
- Fundability Scorecard: a tool reflecting how banks and investors assess ventures during the Investment Readiness Programme
- Investor & Bank Demo Day: direct pitches to funders, DFIs, and partners aligned with the FCMB-FMO AgriTech initiative
- Expert advisory: weekly sessions with venture mentors, agricultural specialists, and senior banking executives
- Market linkages: connections to off-takers, distributors, and accelerators through the programme’s network
- Visibility boost: exposure via FCMB and Heave Ventures’ platforms, putting startups in front of investors and agri-tech stakeholders
- Ongoing support: follow-on funding prospects and continued business development after the FCMB-FMO AgriTech Investment Readiness Programme 2025
Programme Timelines:
- Applications open: Friday, August 8, 2025
- Applications close: Friday, September 12, 2025
- Fundability scoring: September 12–26, 2025
- Investment readiness bootcamp: October 1–31, 2025
- Investor Demo Day: Friday, November 31 2025
How to apply
Applications for the FCMB-FMO AgriTech Investment Readiness Programme 2025 are submitted via the Zimara platform, accessible through the official programme website. Interested startups should be ready to present their value proposition, traction, and intended use of grant funding. Applicants are advised to apply early, as only the most competitive entries will advance to the bootcamp stage.
Do you have an innovative business (small, mid-scale business or startup) that adds value, creates opportunities or solves bold problems? Then you`ve got a story worth telling? Shoot us an email with the subject “Story Worth Telling (+Name of Business)” to [email protected]
