1. Nigeria Innovation HUBs: call for proposals Cristina NAVARRETE May 18, 2017

2. Agenda Introduction to Growth and Employment Project
Innovation Hubs Call for Proposals
Tips for Applicants
Q & A

3. What is GEM project: support to MSMEs

4. What are targeted GEM sectors

5. GEM Activities: 5 Grant Windows for different Objectives

6. Call for Proposals Innovation Hubs: objectives
Promote regional innovation across priority sectors
Empower and create jobs and income raising opportunities for youth and MSMEs one or more of the GEM sectors
Increase overall productivity of MSMEs  
Leverage and mainstream existing efforts
BDS developed from MSMEs as part of the GEM project.
 Existing innovation related support activities and efforts
Promote collaboration that will trigger uptake, scale and crowding-in by other investors and entrepreneurs

7. CPF Innovation Hubs: target regions
GEM funding between US$100, to US$1,000,000.00
South- East, South West, North-West, North-East or North-Central Zones of Nigeria.

8. CPF Innovation Hubs: who can apply
Registered Entity in Nigeria
Not insolvent, declared bankrupt, in liquidation, etc.
Able to provide the required matching fund, not exceeding:
50 percent of the total project cost for South- East, South West and North Central
65 percent of the total project cost for North-East
80 percent of the total project cost for North-West
The nature of the matching contribution will be approved by the Grant Administrator on a project by project basis.  Depending on the call for proposals, grantees could be required to provide matching funds upfront for reimbursement by the GEM project upon the Grant Administrator’s approval.
As a general rule, the following could be included as matching funds:
Cash investment by the grantee and implementing partners in case of a consortium;
Facilities provided by other institutions (e.g. equity investments, bank loans, overdraft facilities).
The Grants Administrator will verify the matching funds provided by the grantee by reviewing letters of intent or commitment for financing facilities and project bank statements showing cash investments.
The timing of matching contribution will be approved by the Grant Administrator on a project by project basis and will be shown on the grantee’s financial budgets.
Operates in one of the five GEM supported sectors

9. CPF Innovation Hubs: how to apply
Log on to the BIG portal (
Complete and Submit Application
Forms through the BIG portal
Application deadline is now May 26, 2017

10. CPF Innovation Hubs: Tip’s for applicants
Ensure adaptation to local circumstances
Deep understanding of the clients/entrepreneurs
Identify a valid business model
Secure financial resources
Get the right management staff
Proven communication and engagement with key stakeholders
Move away from too much focus on physical infrastructure
Conduct a thorough feasibility study
Establish a strong network for clients and the hub itself
Nurture existing centers and hubs

11. Questions for Discussion
Can I apply for GEM funding in more that one region?
What are the eligible upfront matching funds?
Where can I get the application from and project financial modeling templates?
What is the expected timeline for selection process?
1 )What would be the process of participating in more than one region if we were interested, considering that partnerships are crucial to the success of the hubs and our experience cuts across various regions?
2) What are the likely timelines for cash disbursement and implementation?
3) What items can be covered by our portion of the matching funds and can they better explain the minimum/maximum requirements for each region mentioned in the call for proposal?
4) How important is environmental compliance section of the form if you aren't building a new structure?
5) I am currently filling out the RFP Application form and I realized that Financial Model was not included in the form. Please how can I get it?
South South zone who are asking if they should go ahead and apply as well, as their zone was not included in the Call For Proposal.
For information, the GEM project expects the following disbursement tranches: 20% grant at the start, 40% six months after implementation, 40% after one year of implementation. However, the tranches disbursement will be discussed as part of the Application Form and as a part of the Grant Agreement. All disbursements will be subject to conditions and requirements specificity in the Innovative Market Grant Agreement

12. Thank you
For any questions or if you have any problems, please