The Enugu Startup Incubation Program (ESIP)

The Enugu Startup Incubation Program (ESIP) is a 6-week hybrid pre-incubation program launched by the Enugu State Government through the Enugu SME Centre and the Office of Digital Economy and Innovation, in partnership with the Startup Development Centre (SDC), B4B Network, and Capitis Global Ventures.

Building Enugu’s Boldest Founders

 

ESIP is designed to identify, train, and equip aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship, and network to transform their business ideas into viable startups – driving Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s vision of positioning Enugu as Nigeria’s innovation and digital capital.

Program Highlights

  • Duration: 6 weeks (Hybrid learning – 2 weeks in-person, 4 weeks virtual
  • Venue: Enugu Digital Skill Enhancement Zone (D-SEZ) – 26 Okpara Avenue, Enugu.
  • Curriculum: Based on the global 8-Module SDC Startup Framework covering:
  • Startup Fundamentals
  • Problem–Customer Fit
  • Product–Market Fit
  • Funding Readiness
  • Pitching & Investor Relations

By graduation, participants will have validated ideas, built prototypes (MVPs), and mastered investor storytelling.

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The ESIP Advantage

 

The Enugu Startup Incubation Program (ESIP) is offered at a total fee of ₦175,000, subsidized by 50% from its original ₦350,000 cost through the Enugu SME Centre. Participants are required to pay ₦87,500 upfront, while the remaining balance can be covered through the Human Capital Development Loan (HCDL) – an interest-free facility repayable over three months, ensuring that finance is never a barrier to opportunity. Upon completion of the 6-week intensive incubation journey, participants will receive a joint certification from the Enugu State Government, SDC Startup School, B4B Network, and Capitis Global Ventures. 

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Government-Backed

Officially endorsed under the Enugu Digital Economy Strategy.

Global Curriculum:

Delivered by SDC Startup School — Africa’s leading startup education provider.

Financing Support:

50% subsidy + interest-free Human Capital Development Loan (HCDL) to make training affordable.

Career Pathways:

Access to post-program incubation, investment linkages, and continued mentorship.

FAQ

The Enugu Startup Incubation Program (ESIP)

The Enugu Startup Incubation Program (ESIP) is a 6-week hybrid pre-incubation program launched by the Enugu State Government, through the Enugu SME Center & Office of Digital Economy and, in partnership with the Startup Development Centre (SDC), B4B Network, and Capitis Global Ventures.

It is designed to identify, train, and equip aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship to transform ideas into scalable ventures—advancing Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s vision of positioning Enugu as the digital and innovation capital of Nigeria.

  • Aspiring or first-time founders at the idea or pre-idea stage
  • Youths, creatives, professionals, and innovators interested in entrepreneurship
  • Residents and Indigenes of Enugu State and Nigerians willing to attend hybrid sessions

The program runs for six (6) weeks, blending two (2) weeks of physical sessions with four (4) weeks of virtual sessions:

  • Physical Sessions (2 Weeks): Classroom learning, mentorship, and peer collaboration held at the Enugu Digital Skill Enhancement Zone (D-SEZ). This will be during the first and last week of the 6 week accelerator (Week 1 & Week 6)
  • Virtual Sessions (4 Weeks): Online delivery via SDC’s digital platforms with remote mentorship and live lectures. This would be from Week 2-5

Enugu Digital Skill Enhancement Zone (D-SEZ)- 1st Floor, Left Wing, Old CCB Building (above Enugu Café One), 26 Okpara Avenue, Enugu. The D-SEZ is a modern digital training facility with over 250 computer systems, high-speed internet, and collaborative spaces dedicated to continuous youth training and digital empowerment.

The program follows the 8-Module SDC Startup Curriculum, covering:

  • Startup Fundamentals
  • Funding Types & Structures
  • Problem & Customer Discovery
  • Problem–Customer Fit
  • Problem–Solution Fit
  • Business Model Fit
  • Product–Market Fit
  • Pitching & Investor Readiness

By graduation, participants will have validated their ideas, built prototypes (MVPs), developed business models, and mastered investor-ready storytelling.

  • Government-Backed: Fully endorsed under the Enugu Digital Economy Strategy.
  • Global Curriculum: Delivered by SDC Startup School — Africa’s leading startup education provider.
  • Ecosystem Integration: Co-executed with B4B and Capitis Global Ventures Ltd., linking founders to mentors, investors, and accelerators.
  • Inclusive Financing: Supported by the Enugu SME Center’s Human Capital Development Loan (HCDL) to make participation affordable.

The total program fee is ₦175,000 per participant as against the normal price of N350,000 which is a 50% discount

Through the Enugu SME Center’s HCD Loan, participants can split payment:

  • ₦87,500 upfront (50%), and
  • ₦87,500 financed (50%) via an interest-free HCD Loan, repayable over three (3) months (inclusive of the training period).

Participants must provide a verifiable guarantor with a guarantor’s cheque, in line with the Center’s loan-recovery framework.

  • Full access to all physical and virtual sessions
  • Learning materials and toolkits
  • Mentorship and assessments
  • Guest founder and expert sessions
  • Demo Day participation and joint certification
  • Physical Sessions: Conducted in person at the D-SEZ with on-site facilitators, mentors, and teamwork activities.
  • Virtual Sessions: Delivered via SDC’s Learning Management System (LMS) and Zoom, featuring live lectures, recorded content, and one-on-one mentorship.

Participants must:

  • Maintain at least 85% attendance,
  • Complete all module assignments and assessments, and
  • Participate in the final Demo Day presentation.

The rest would be articulated in the Program Implementation Framework. Only successful participants will receive certification and be eligible for post-program support.

Graduates earn a Joint Certificate of Completion endorsed by the Enugu State Government, SDC Startup School, B4B Network, and Capitis Global Ventures Ltd.

  • Access to the Enugu Startup Alumni Network for continued mentorship
  • Eligibility for state-supported incubation and funding schemes
  • Linkage to private accelerators and investors
  • Possible transition to the Digital Bridge Institute (AI Campus), Digital Industrial Park (Talent City), or Norrsken Enugu Innovation Hub for advanced programs

Apply online at www.enugusme.en.gov.ng/esip

Application Timeline:

  • Applications Open – Friday November 7th 2025
  • Applications Close – Monday, 8th December 2025
  • Shortlisting & Notification – Tuesday 9th December 2025 – Monday 15th December 2025
  • Orientation & Program Kick-Off – Monday 19th January 2026

Please note that the above dates are tentative and subject to adjustment by the program management team. All confirmed timelines will be communicated directly to applicants via email and the official Enugu SME Center channels.

Both options are accepted. Individuals may form teams during the program, while existing teams can apply together.

Demo Day is the grand finale where participants pitch their startups to investors, judges, and ecosystem leaders. Top ventures may receive investment interest, incubation opportunities, or media exposure.

  • Originality and clarity of idea
  • Motivation and commitment to complete the program
  • Market potential and impact value
  • Compliance with HCD Loan requirements (where applicable)

All sectors are eligible -Technology, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Health, Creative Industries, Education, Energy, and Services. The key is innovation and scalability.

All sessions are held in English, with materials simplified for participants from both technical and non-technical backgrounds.

Yes. All participants must maintain professionalism, punctuality, and active engagement. Violation of program rules may result in suspension or withdrawal of certification and loan benefits.

Withdrawals must be formally communicated before the program commences. Due to the subsidized nature of the program, fees are non-refundable once the program commences

Graduates receive up to six (6) months of post-program mentorship, funding linkage, and business tracking through the Enugu SME Center and its partners.

Opportunities exist to:

  • Sponsor participant scholarships or grants
  • Provide mentorship or guest facilitation
  • Offer incubation, acceleration, or funding support
  • Join the Demo Day investment panel or media partnerships

For partnerships, contact info@enugusme.ng

To establish Enugu as the Startup Capital of the South-East, producing globally competitive founders and ventures that drive innovation, create jobs, and accelerate Enugu’s journey toward a $30 billion innovation-driven economy.

For more information, you can contact our support team via any of these channels:
Enugu SME Center

Address: No. 2a, Market Garden Avenue, Opposite Ebeano Tunnel Roundabout, GRA, Enugu

Call Customer Care:

08028545013

0912 895 4467

You can also reach us on WhatsApp:

09169365762

09169328543

09069200595

Mail: Info@enugusme.ng

Facebook: Enugu STATE SME Agency Twitter (X): @enugusmeagency Instagram: @enugusmeagency

YouTube: @enugustatesmeagency LinkedIn: @enugustatesmeagency

Web: www.enugusme.en.gov.ng