Deadline: 12 June 2025
The Norwegian Refugee Council is launching an Innovation Call to identify and support three (3) successful Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the green economy.
Aims
- This initiative aims to promote sustainable business practices, generate employment, and contribute to environmental protection by supporting SMEs in green agriculture, green energy, and green waste management. Selected SMEs will receive financial support to either start or expand their businesses in line with the objectives of the project.
Targeted Green Business Sectors
- SMEs involved in the following sectors are encouraged to apply:
- Green Agriculture (Climate-Smart Agriculture – CSA)
- Hydroponics and greenhouse horticulture
- Aquaculture (fish farming)
- Poultry farming
- Organic fertilizer production
- Livestock and feed formulation
- Economic Seeds production
- Green Energy (Renewable/Clean Energy Solutions)
- Solar energy solutions
- Bioenergy production
- Alternative clean cooking energy
- Clean micro-irrigation technologies
- Green Waste Management & Recycling
- Organic and inorganic waste recycling
- Eco-friendly product development
- Sustainable plastic and paper waste processing
- Innovative technology that supports Climate Change actions
- Wind turbines energy
- Climate resilient crop production
- Green Agriculture (Climate-Smart Agriculture – CSA)
Benefits
- Financial support to start or expand green businesses
- Capacity-building and mentorship from industry experts
- Networking opportunities with key stakeholders in the green economy
- Business visibility and potential market linkages
Eligibility Criteria
- To qualify for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a legally registered SME in Nigeria with a presence in MMC and Jere LGAs or the capacity and visibility to operate there.
- Must demonstrate at least between 1 – 3 years of experience in the selected green business sector.
- Must have a clear and innovative business model aligned with sustainability and climate adaptation.
- Must propose a scalable business plan showing potential for growth and employment creation.
- Must be willing to participate in NRC’s monitoring and outcome evaluation process to measure business transformation and or impact assessment.
- Preference will be given to SMEs that are women-led or youth-focused and those that show a commitment to inclusivity
- Mandatory: Must be willing to provide internship and employment to selected and agreed number of TVET graduates under this project. A 3-4-month internship with no payment or stiped requirement for apprentices.
For more information, visit NRC.
