The FCMB–FMO AgriTech Investment Readiness Program 2025, delivered in partnership with Heave Ventures, is a national initiative designed to strengthen Nigeria’s agritech sector by equipping startups and SMEs with the skills, networks, and resources to secure investment and scale sustainably. Over six weeks, selected participants will gain access to tailored advisory services, investor networks, and funding opportunities — including $13,000 in grants for the most investment-ready businesses.
Program Overview
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Dates: October 1 – October 31, 2025
- Format: In-person and virtual sessions
- Final Event: Demo Day on November 7, 2025
- Funding: ₦20 million in grants for top-performing businesses
- Organizers: First City Monument Bank (FCMB), FMO, Heave Ventures
- Additional Tool: Zimara Fundability Scorecard to assess investment readiness
Key Benefits
- $13,000 in Grants: Awarded to the most investment-ready businesses in the cohort.
- Investor & Bank Demo Day: Direct pitching to development finance institutions, strategic partners, and investors.
- Fundability Assessment: Zimara Scorecard to benchmark how investors and banks view your business.
- Strategic Introductions: Connections with off-takers, buyers, and accelerators.
- Expert Advisory: Weekly mentorship from venture capitalists, bankers, and market specialists.
- E-Learning Platform: Access to tools and resources for building bankable business models.
- Media Visibility: Exposure through FCMB and Heave Ventures’ investor channels.
- Post-Program Support: Continued access to funding opportunities and business development resources.
Ideal Applicants
- Agritech startups or SMEs operating in the Nigerian agriculture value chain
- Businesses with a viable model, demonstrable traction, or consistent revenue
- Founders seeking capital, market access, and strategic partnerships
Program Timeline
- Applications Open: August 8, 2025
- Applications Close: September 12, 2025
- Fundability Scoring (Zimara): September 12 – 26, 2025
- Investment Readiness Bootcamp: October 1 – 31, 2025
- Demo Day: November 7, 2025
Program Partners
- FCMB: One of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, committed to supporting SMEs and innovation.
- FMO: The Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, focused on sustainable economic growth.
- Heave Ventures: A platform providing growth support to African SMEs through funding, partnerships, and market access.
- Zimara: Provider of the Fundability Scorecard tool for assessing investor readiness.
The FCMB–FMO AgriTech Investment Readiness Program 2025 aims to accelerate the growth of high-potential agritech startups and SMEs in Nigeria by combining funding, mentorship, and strategic market access. Designed to prepare businesses for investor engagement, the program connects participants with the networks and expertise needed to scale their impact. All applications are processed directly through the program’s official channels.