The Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme, established by the Bank of Industry (BOI), is one of Nigeria’s most impactful initiatives aimed at tackling youth unemployment. It provides young Nigerians with access to funding, business training, and mentorship to help them start or grow their businesses.
As the programme enters another phase in 2025, eligible youths across the country have an opportunity to secure up to ₦10 million in low-interest loans, along with structured support to ensure business success.
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About the BOI YES Programme
The YES Programme is a comprehensive youth-focused intervention. It was designed to equip young Nigerians (aged 18 to 35) with the necessary skills, knowledge, and access to funding to transform their ideas into viable, sustainable businesses.
The programme includes:
- Entrepreneurship and business management training
- Development and refinement of business plans
- Access to loans ranging from ₦5 million to ₦10 million
- Ongoing mentorship and monitoring
It is open to applicants from all sectors including agriculture, ICT, fashion, manufacturing, services, and more.
Key Features
1. Loan Amounts:
Successful applicants can receive between ₦5 million and ₦10 million, depending on the strength of their business plans and capital requirements.
2. Repayment Terms:
Loans are structured with a 3–5 year repayment period and a competitive interest rate. Repayment terms are designed to be flexible and business-friendly.
3. Training:
All applicants undergo a mandatory comprehensive entrepreneurship training program delivered online and in-person. The training covers critical areas such as business planning, marketing, finance, operations, and legal compliance.
4. Mentorship:
Participants are paired with experienced business mentors who provide guidance and support during the early stages of business implementation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the BOI YES Programme, applicants must:
- Be a Nigerian citizen aged between 18 and 35 years
- Hold a minimum qualification of OND/NCE or higher
- Have a bankable business idea that is practical and capable of creating jobs
- Be ready to complete the training programme and develop a full business plan
The business can be a startup or an existing one in need of expansion funding.
How to Apply
- Visit the BOI YES Portal at https://www.boi.ng/yes and complete the application form.
- Enroll in the training programme once selected.
- Develop and submit a business plan, with the support of facilitators.
- Undergo loan screening and approval process.
- Receive funding, with continued monitoring and support from BOI.
Why This Programme Matters
In a country where youth unemployment remains high, the BOI YES Programme has empowered thousands of young people to become employers rather than job seekers. It addresses not only access to capital but also the knowledge gap that often prevents startups from surviving.
By offering both funding and education, the programme reduces the failure rate of new businesses and strengthens Nigeria’s economy by promoting homegrown solutions and innovations.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Take the entrepreneurship training seriously, as performance may affect your chances of loan approval.
- Ensure your business idea is scalable and has the potential to create jobs.
- Prepare a realistic and detailed business plan showing how you intend to use the funds.
- Be honest and consistent in your application documents and responses.
- If possible, include market research data to support your business idea.
Final Thoughts
For Nigerian youths seeking to turn their ideas into reality, the BOI YES Programme remains one of the most accessible and supportive platforms. With funding, training, and mentorship all in one package, this is a unique opportunity worth exploring in 2025.
Interested applicants are advised to begin preparations early and monitor the BOI website for official application timelines and updates.
