Apply - Business Innovation Accelerator

Apply for the LBS-BOI Business Innovation Programme Cohort III

South East Region: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, or Imo

Join other selected entrepreneurs from the South-East Region of Nigeria at a fully sponsored programme at Lagos Business School to learn how to scale your business at the 9-month LBS-BOI Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme. Embark on a transformative journey that will equip you with the knowledge, support, and connections needed to thrive in the 21st century as a Nigerian entrepreneur.

Watch to learn more about the
LBS-BOI Business Innovation Accelerator

The LBS-BOI Business Innovation Accelerator programme helped me rekindle my dying strength and believe in my business. I know better on how to bring my business to the next level. The programme helped rewind my mind back to resuscitating my honey business back to operations instead of leaving the country.

I have from here generated over 7 new business ideas and interactions which has given me new relationships and will take my business to a new level. The Brand Lagos Business School itself is an acceleration for my business, I believe my certification here will give a boost to my services and customer confidence.

"Being a part of the LBS-BOI Business Innovation Accelerator, Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme has changed my way of doing business and of relating to the society, I have learnt the best practices of doing business like the industry leaders"

"The LBS-BOI Entrepreneurship Accelerator programme has been a great guide to understanding financial statements and its analysis, this has given me deeper understanding on how to run my business financially. The programme has also helped me to expand my customer base"

The Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme has changed my view of business as only a money making venture to a vehicle for making national impact, the programme has expanded my horizon on strategy in business

"I've learnt how to carry out my business with ethical standards, the programme has also has helped to reshape my thought pattern and restructure my business from the bottom up"

It is awesome to describe, the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme has upgraded my horizon, management style and skills, i've learnt business & project management, business model development, how to pitch or position my company, market segmentation and negotiation. It has helped in rewarding staff and employees, how to position the business formally & financially and sources of funding for expansion that will actualize our dreams

About the Business Innovation
Accelerator Programme

The LBS-BOI Business Innovation Accelerator (BIA), Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme is a collaboration between Lagos Business School (LBS) and Bank of Industry (BOI) aimed at raising the next generation of business leaders by providing high quality entrepreneurship training across the 6-geopolitical regions of Nigeria.

The programme has so far covered the South-West and North-Central Region of Nigeria in the first two cohorts. This new cohort is intended to reach 60 high impact entrepreneurs in the South East Region of Nigeria: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo.

The programme was established with the objective of cultivating and scaling impact-driven entrepreneurs who use for-profit business models to effectively provide solutions to address problems, while fostering positive societal transformation.

By striving to generate a category of entrepreneurs adept at problem-solving, the Accelerator programme offers a comprehensive range of training modules to ensure entrepreneurs grow and scale in a sustainable manner. The Entrepreneurship Accelerator programme is fully sponsored by the Bank of Industry

The 9-month Accelerator programme comprises of four (4) modules:

1. Entrepreneurship Orientation & Business Management Training:6 weeks

2. Apprenticeship/Technical Mentoring: 6 months

3. Training on access to market - 2 weeks

4. Training on access to funding - 2 weeks

About the Business Innovation Accelerator Programme

The LBS-BOI Business Innovation Accelerator (BIA), Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme is a collaboration between Lagos Business School (LBS) and Bank of Industry (BOI) aimed at raising the next generation of business leaders by providing free high quality entrepreneurship training across the 6-geopolitical regions of Nigeria.

By striving to generate a category of entrepreneurs adept at problem-solving, the Accelerator programme offers a comprehensive range of training modules to ensure entrepreneurs grow and scale in a sustainable manner. The Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme is free and is fully sponsored by the Bank of Industry

The 9-month Accelerator programme comprises of four (4) modules:

1. Entrepreneurship Orientation & Business Management Training:6 weeks

2. Apprenticeship/Technical Mentoring: 6 months

3. Training on access to market - 2 weeks

4. Training on access to funding - 2 weeks

Who is this Programme for?

Your business should be an existing business and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
Your business should be an innovative business and have significant potential to scale.
Your business should be located in the South East Region of Nigeria; Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu or Imo
You should be physically available for first phase of the programme for 6 weeks in Lagos; provision for accommodation and feeding is sponsored by the Bank of Industry

Applications submission now extended till February 6th, 2024

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Your Burning Questions: Frequently Asked Questions about the Entrepreneurship Development Program

What is the LBS-BOI Business Innovation Accelerator?

Answer: The LBS-BOI Business Innovation Accelerator (BIA) is intended to train and develop impact–driven entrepreneurs who will generate profitable business initiatives aimed at solving social and/or environmental problems. The Centre will consequently accelerate the transformation of society, empower people financially, alleviate poverty, create jobs and ultimately create wealth, while boosting national socio-economic development.

Is participating in the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme Free?

Answer: The Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme at the Lagos Business School Business Innovation Accelerator is fully sponsored by the Bank of Industry.

How can I apply for the BIA Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme?

Answer: To apply for the BIA Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme, visit our website at https://bia.lbs.edu.ng/ and navigate to the “Apply Now” page. Fill out the application forms with your details and submit online.

Who do I get my recommendation letter from and in what format should it be submitted?

The recommendation letter should come from any traceable reputable individual, examples are civil servants not less than the Level 12 cadre, religious leaders or reputable entrepreneurs. The letter is to be submitted in a digital format, so it could be written digitally or the physical copy could be scanned and uploaded to the application form.

What are the eligibility criteria for the BIA Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme?

Answer: The programme is open to promising entrepreneurs in the South East Region of Nigeria who have existing innovative businesses who possess significant potential to scale. Please refer to our website for detailed eligibility criteria.

What is the duration of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme?

Answer: The BIA Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme is a 9-month programme consisting of four distinct phases. The programme begins with a comprehensive 6-week entrepreneurship training (Mini-MBA) to inculcate an entrepreneurial mindset aimed at helping participants to understand what it takes to build a successful and sustainable business. This is followed by 6 months of apprenticeship with leading organizations in participants’ respective industries. Participants are also provided with access to funding and access to market opportunities.

How are the selected entrepreneurs matched with mentors?

Answer: Once selected for the programme, entrepreneurs are carefully matched with mentors based on their industry, business needs, and goals. Our team ensures a compatible mentor-mentee pairing for effective support.

Will participating in the programme guarantee funding for my business?

Answer: While the programme provides valuable training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, funding is not guaranteed. However, through the programme, you will gain valuable skills and connections that can enhance your chances of securing funding from investors or other sources. We also provide a range of resources, networking opportunities, and community events to ensure visibility for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.

Who can benefit from the BIA?

Answer: The programme is open to entrepreneurs across various industries. If you are an established venture seeking growth and scalability, the programme provides the necessary tools and support to help you succeed.

Step-by-Step Process

Online Application:
Interested entrepreneurs are invited to complete an online application form, providing information about their existing business.
Initial Screening:
Upon submission, the BIA team carefully reviews the applications, assessing their suitability for the program. This includes evaluating the business concept, the entrepreneur’s background and experience, and their potential for growth and impact.
Selection Process:
Shortlisted applicants progress to the next stage, where they undergo further assessment. This may involve interviews, presentations, or additional documentation. The selection process aims to identify the most promising entrepreneurs who align with the BIA’s mission and demonstrate the potential for significant growth and impact.
Acceptance and Onboarding:
Successful applicants receive an acceptance letter, warmly welcoming them into the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program. They receive detailed information about the program, including the timeline, expectations, and any pre-program preparations required. Additionally, they are introduced to the BIA support network and valuable resources available to them.
Programme Commencement:
The Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program officially begins on a specified date. Selected entrepreneurs participate in a comprehensive range of training sessions, workshops, mentorship programs, networking events, and other activities meticulously designed to enhance their entrepreneurial skills, deepen their business knowledge, and provide access to essential resources.
Ongoing Support:
Throughout the program, the BIA team ensures continuous support and guidance for entrepreneurs. This includes regular check-ins, one-on-one coaching, access to industry experts and mentors, and opportunities for collaboration with other program participants. Furthermore, entrepreneurs gain access to relevant resources, tools, and networks, empowering them to navigate challenges and maximize their business potential.

Our Accelerator Programme Modules

Post Training Support

Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Connect with a supportive network, resources, and a thriving entrepreneurial community for collaboration and growth.