OIIE to provide startups with N1.5 million in funding at second edition of event

folarin okunola

March 9, 2016 10:21 AM

The Office for ICT Innovation & Entrepreneurship (OIIE), a subsidiary of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is looking to fill up crucial gaps for startups with a new programme called StartUP Fridays.

StartUP Fridays

I have great news for all the startups out there looking to secure funding or leverage on networking and connections within a supportive community.

The Office for ICT Innovation & Entrepreneurship (OIIE), a subsidiary of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is looking to fill up crucial gaps for startups with a new programme called StartUP Fridays.

The new programme is a new component of the Office's StartUP CAFÉ Program designed to bridge startup growth gaps by enriching the development processes of new tech-driven businesses through meet-ups with successful entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, technology buyers and enthusiasts in major tech clusters across the country.

The first edition was held last month in Abuja and drew 84 participants. The second edition will hold on the 18th of March, 2016 and promises a more robust structure for startups and an extensive knowledge pool for startups to pull from.

“We will provide essential support to ensure that the startups thrive. This support will include advisory services and early stage funding. It is an avenue for start-ups who are struggling in one way or the other and determine ways in which the OIIE can assist them in their business. For those that have commercially viable products, we want to bring them in contact with potential customers within and outside government who would listen to them, talk to them, invest in them or buy their products,” says Bunmi Okunowo, National Coordinator of the OIIE.

10 pre-selected and pre-registered startups will also have pitching sessions with the event looking to provide as much as N1.5 million in funding for at least three startups, depending on their business needs.

There will also be a chance for the startups to get feedback from the panel of experts, judges and investors from various hubs as well as industry role models and mentors whose expertise and experience will prove invaluable.

If you are interested you should hurry right now and register. Registration is free, and the event will be holding at the Red Sparrow, Maitama, Abuja. All the best!

folarin okunola