Nigerian creatives: How to get government grants, loans, and investors in 2025

Let me ask you a quick question. How many times have you heard people say, “If only government supported creatives, we for don blow since”?

From filmmakers to tailors, musicians to game developers, writers to festival organisers, the complaint has been the same: no support, no funding, no structure.

Well, gist has changed. There’s now over $100,000 (about ₦150 million) sitting on the table for Nigerian creatives. And it’s not a joke. For the first time, the Nigerian government has opened a dedicated fund just for the creative economy.

If you’re into music, film, fashion, gaming, publishing, tourism, arts, or culture… this is your chance to finally step up.

Let’s break it down clearly, like gist between friends.

What this fund is all about

The new Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) was created to fuel Nigeria’s next generation of wealth creators. Forget waiting for one uncle abroad to “sponsor you”, this one is homegrown, designed to help Nigerian talent rise.

The fund covers these seven creative areas:

• Film and TV
• Music
• Fashion
• Gaming and animation
• Publishing
• Arts and culture
• Tourism

Whether you’re running a studio in Surulere, a fashion line in Yaba, a gaming startup in Kaduna, or even a small festival in Calabar, there’s space for you here.

The three doors of opportunity

Now, here’s where it gets juicy. The fund is not one-size-fits-all. It comes in three doors of opportunity:

1. Grants – free funding for high-impact projects (yes, free. You don’t pay back).
2. Loans – low-interest loans to help you scale your business without breaking your back.
3. Equity – investors who put capital into your business and grow with you.

So, whether you need cash to buy equipment, money to expand, or partners to take you global, there’s an option.

Who can apply?

This is not limited to “big names” or people with connections. You can apply if you’re:

• An individual creator (musician, filmmaker, designer, developer, writer, artist)
• An entrepreneur with a creative business
• A cultural or tourism-linked business (hotels, booking platforms, guides, festivals)

What matters is that you have a solid project plan that creates jobs and impact. Not vibes and cruise, but real value.

And guess what? Funds start disbursing by January 2026. So if you do the work now, by next year, you could be cashing out.

What you need to apply

Now, before you start jumping, let’s get real. You can’t just wake up and say, “I sabi sing, abeg give me money.” You’ll need a few basics:

• Registered business (TIN or CAC number). If your hustle is not yet registered, abeg fix that fast.
• Business or project plan + budget and timeline. Show clearly how you’ll create jobs.
• 5-year financial forecast. Don’t fear, just outline your revenue and expenses.
• Creative Leap Accelerator (CLAP) registration. It’s part of the process.
• Proof of ownership (your music rights, designs, trademarks, scripts, whatever applies).

And let me add this: please, learn storytelling. Don’t just write numbers. Tell your story. Show how your idea solves problems, creates jobs, or inspires culture. Storytelling sells.

How to apply the right way

Here’s your step-by-step:

1. Go to cedf.gov.ng/grant/single
2. Prepare these documents:
   • Business or project plan
   • Budget and revenue forecast
   • Team or ownership details
   • Proof of intellectual property (IP)
3. Apply before the deadline: October 1, 2025.

Don’t dull. This is not one of those “apply tomorrow” things. Start preparing today.

Now, let me leave you with this thought.

The Bible says, “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before kings.” (Proverbs 18:16).

Your gift isn’t too small. Your dream isn’t too late. What many of us lack is not talent, but structure. And that’s what this fund is really about: turning raw talent into structured businesses that can create wealth and impact.

Nigeria’s blessing is not in oil alone. It’s in the stories we tell, the music we sing, the clothes we wear, the games we build, the food we serve.

This is not the time to fold your arms. Remember, we don’t grow by learning alone. We grow by doing.

The opportunity is here. The question is: will you step into it?