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Frequently Asked
Questions

Everything you need to know about LETIH's programmes, application process, eligibility, finance, and partnerships — answered clearly and honestly.

Showing all 28 questions across 6 categories

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General

5 questions

LETIH — Liberty Enterprise Transformation & Innovation Hub Limited — is a multi-sector enterprise development, incubation, acceleration, and investment facilitation platform designed to transform startups, SMEs, and individuals into scalable, investment-ready enterprises.

Our integrated ecosystem combines incubation, skills development, finance access, innovation support, and market linkage into one platform — reducing business failure rates and accelerating enterprise growth across Nigeria and Africa.

LETIH is headquartered in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Programmes are open to participants from across Nigeria, with plans to expand to other African countries in line with our Pan-African replication strategy. Select digital programmes and advisory services are accessible remotely.

LETIH is a privately registered limited liability company incorporated under Nigerian law (CAC). We operate as a social enterprise with a hybrid revenue and impact model — generating income through services while delivering measurable social and economic impact. We work closely with government bodies, MDAs, and development partners but are not a government agency.

LETIH operates across multiple sectors including:

  • Agriculture & Agro-processing
  • Technology & Digital Economy
  • Light Manufacturing & Industry
  • Creative Economy (fashion, media, arts)
  • Financial Services & Fintech
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Energy & Environment
  • Trade & Commerce
  • 10,000+ enterprises created across all programmes
  • 50,000+ direct and indirect jobs generated
  • Minimum 40% women's participation across all programmes
  • Minimum 10% participation by persons with disabilities
  • ₦5B+ in capital facilitated to supported enterprises

Visit our Impact Areas page for the full breakdown.

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Programmes

6 questions
  • Incubation Hub — For early-stage entrepreneurs (6–12 months)
  • Acceleration Programme — For growth-stage businesses (3 months intensive)
  • SkillsLab — Vocational and digital skills training (1–6 months)
  • Enterprise Finance Desk — Grants, loans, investor matchmaking
  • Market & Value Chain Integration — Off-take agreements and export linkage
  • Inclusion Desk — WomenRise, ETH Renew (retirees), AbilityWorks (PWDs)

See full details on our Programmes page.

  • Incubation Hub: 6 to 12 months
  • Acceleration Programme: 3 months intensive
  • SkillsLab ICT & Digital: 1 to 3 months
  • SkillsLab Agro-processing & Manufacturing: 3 to 6 months
  • SkillsLab Creative Economy: 2 to 4 months
  • Finance Desk facilitation: Ongoing, case-by-case

Yes. All graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from LETIH. SkillsLab programmes are aligned to nationally and internationally recognised certification bodies. Incubation and Acceleration graduates receive LETIH's Enterprise Readiness Certificate, recognised by our investor and partner network.

LETIH uses a blended model. Core Incubation and Acceleration sessions are primarily in-person at the LETIH Hub in Abuja. SkillsLab requires physical attendance for practical components. Select modules, mentoring sessions, and Finance Desk consultations are available online.

LETIH operates a subsidised participation model — fees are significantly below market rate thanks to partner support. Scholarship places are available for those who demonstrate need. Inclusion Desk programmes carry preferential or zero-cost participation for qualifying candidates. Contact us for current fee schedules.

Some programmes work well in sequence — e.g. SkillsLab graduates moving into the Incubation Hub. Two intensive programmes simultaneously is not recommended. The Finance Desk and Market Integration services are available alongside any programme track.

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How to Apply

5 questions
  • Incubation Hub: Nigerian nationals or residents aged 18+ with a business idea or early-stage venture
  • Acceleration: Businesses operating 1+ year, with customers/revenue and a minimum 3-person team
  • SkillsLab: Any Nigerian resident aged 16+ seeking vocational or digital skills
  • WomenRise: Women-led or women-owned businesses or women seeking to start enterprises
  • ETH Renew: Retirees or individuals aged 50+ seeking to convert expertise into enterprise
  • AbilityWorks: Persons with disabilities seeking skills, enterprise support, or employment pathways
  • Step 1 — Submit your details via our Contact & Application page
  • Step 2 — Our team reviews and contacts you within 2 business days
  • Step 3 — Shortlisted applicants are invited for an assessment or interview
  • Step 4 — Accepted participants receive an onboarding pack
  • Step 5 — Complete registration and join your cohort at the next intake

SkillsLab intake is relatively open — most qualifying applicants are accepted first-come, first-served. The Incubation Hub and Acceleration Programme are more selective, with cohorts capped at 30 participants. Selection is based on idea viability, founder commitment, sector fit, and impact potential. Inclusion Desk programmes have reserved spaces for underrepresented groups.

  • Valid government-issued ID (NIN, passport, or driver's licence)
  • Brief business description or concept summary (1–2 pages)
  • CV or professional profile
  • For Acceleration: basic financial statements or revenue evidence
  • For Finance Desk: CAC registration documents and 3-month bank statements

Yes. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply in the next cohort cycle. We provide feedback where possible. Starting with SkillsLab is also recommended — many SkillsLab graduates go on to successfully enter the Incubation Hub.

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Finance & Funding

5 questions

LETIH does not typically provide direct grants or loans from its own balance sheet. Our Enterprise Finance Desk facilitates access to external funding by identifying opportunities, supporting applications, making warm introductions, and preparing businesses for due diligence. A small enterprise grant fund is available for SkillsLab graduates and inclusion programme participants subject to eligibility.

  • Government grants (BOI, NIRSAL, SMEDAN, state-level funds)
  • Bilateral and multilateral donor grants (USAID, GIZ, EU, FCDO)
  • Microfinance and SME loans via partner MFBs and commercial banks
  • Impact investment and equity funding
  • Angel investor networks and family offices
  • Development Finance Institution (DFI) financing
  • Blended finance structures for larger projects

For most formal funding instruments, CAC registration is required. If not yet registered, LETIH can support the process as part of our Incubation Hub's legal setup module. For early-stage or informal grants, registration may not be mandatory — our team will advise based on your circumstances.

A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a collaborative arrangement between government and the private sector to finance and deliver projects that serve the public. LETIH has specialist expertise in structuring PPP models for enterprise development — working with government agencies, DFIs, and private investors to design bankable structures. Contact our partnerships team to discuss opportunities.

LETIH does not take equity as a standard condition of programme participation. Our revenue model is based on programme fees, consultancy income, facilitation fees, and partnership funding. In specific co-investment scenarios, an equity or revenue-sharing arrangement may be agreed — always transparently discussed upfront.

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Inclusion

4 questions

WomenRise is LETIH's flagship women's enterprise programme with features specifically designed for women entrepreneurs:

  • Female-only cohort spaces for a safe, supportive environment
  • Childcare support during training sessions
  • Female mentor matching from our network of successful women entrepreneurs
  • A dedicated women's enterprise fund with preferential access terms
  • Scheduling flexibility to accommodate domestic responsibilities

Absolutely. The ETH Renew programme is built for retirees who want to convert their expertise into enterprise. We focus on low-capital, experience-led models such as consultancy, advisory services, and training — with peer networks connecting retiree entrepreneurs across sectors.

  • Fully accessible Hub facilities including ramps, lifts, and adaptive technology
  • Sign language interpretation for all training sessions
  • Adaptive digital skills curricula tailored to different ability needs
  • PWD-specific micro-grants and enterprise loans
  • Minimum 10% PWD participation target across all programmes

At least 40% of places across all LETIH programmes are actively filled by women participants. We hold spaces when women are underrepresented rather than filling all places with male applicants — ensuring gender equity is structural, not aspirational.

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Partners & Investors

3 questions
  • Programme Partners — Co-design and co-fund specific programmes or cohorts
  • Technical Partners — Contribute specialist expertise, mentors, or industry knowledge
  • Financial Partners — Provide grants, loans, or equity capital to our enterprise fund
  • Market Partners — Offer off-take agreements or market access
  • PPP Partners — Collaborate on large-scale enterprise development projects

Submit a partnership enquiry and our team will be in touch.

LETIH is an ideal pipeline partner for investors. We offer a curated deal pipeline from our Acceleration Programme, co-investment opportunities alongside DFIs, post-investment advisory support, and access to our annual Enterprise Investment Summit. View our Investor Deck or contact our partnerships team.

Yes — international organisations, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, and diaspora investors are all actively encouraged to engage. Our model is designed to attract blended finance from international sources alongside domestic capital. Contact our international partnerships desk to begin discussions.

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