The Nigerian government has extended the application deadline for the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) to June 30, 2025, offering a renewed opportunity for young entrepreneurs in the creative sector to access grants, soft loans, and equity funding to grow their businesses. The application window was initially set to close on May 30.
CEDF is part of a broader national strategy to expand Nigeria’s creative economy, which is expected to contribute over $100 billion to GDP and create two million jobs by 2030. The announcement was made by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives.
At the heart of CEDF is a groundbreaking model that uses intellectual property (IP) as the basis for financing. Unlike traditional loans that demand physical collateral like land or cars, CEDF allows applicants to leverage their creative works — from films and music tracks to digital content and fashion collections — as their primary asset.
This model marks a significant shift in how Nigeria finances its creative sector. For the first time, young creatives with viable or fast-growing products can access capital based on their talent and market traction.
The fund targets legally registered businesses run by Nigerian youth within the creative space. This includes:
* Filmmakers and TV producers
* Fashion designers and stylists
* Musicians, producers, and songwriters
* Game developers and animation creators
* Digital content creators, including YouTubers
* Cultural tourism businesses
Applicants must be operating in Nigeria and show active participation in the creative economy.
Depending on the stage of your business and your goals, three types of funding are available:
- Grants for early-stage ideas with strong community impact.
- Loans for businesses looking to expand, rebrand, or scale operations.
- Equity financing for startups ready to work with private investors.
Applicants are advised to clearly articulate the value of their intellectual property, provide data on audience engagement or sales, and present a convincing growth plan. A strong application should include:
- A description of the creative product and its market relevance
- Details of the business model and revenue streams
- Audience metrics such as video views, music streams, or fashion sales
- Clear reasoning for choosing a grant, loan, or equity
- A business growth plan including job creation and market expansion
- Personal background and professional achievements
- Supporting documents such as business registration, tax filings, past work, and any industry awards.
With the new June 30, 2025 deadline approaching, prospective applicants are urged to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues. Delays on the final day may jeopardize their chances of selection.
Applications are to be submitted through the official platforms designated by the Nigerian government. Creatives from all corners of Nigeria — from fashion entrepreneurs in Aba to animators in Kaduna , are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Click Here to Apply
