2025 NRC Innovation Call for Green Business SMEs in Borno State
2025 NRC Innovation Call for Green Business SMEs in Borno State: 2025 NRC Innovation Call for Green Business SMEs in Borno State, the northeastern region of Nigeria, particularly Borno State, has been facing multifaceted challenges over the past decade, ranging from socio-economic disruptions to environmental degradation. In response to these challenges, innovative approaches that fuse sustainability with economic empowerment have become increasingly essential. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), a globally recognized humanitarian organization, has launched the 2025 NRC Innovation Call for Green Business SMEs in Borno State—a transformative initiative designed to encourage and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that prioritize environmentally friendly and sustainable business practices.
The initiative specifically targets SMEs operating within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area (LGA), areas deeply affected by conflict and environmental pressures. The NRC’s intervention seeks to harness the untapped potential of local entrepreneurs who are passionate about green innovation. By doing so, it aims to stimulate a sustainable economic recovery that benefits not just the environment but also the communities who depend on these natural resources for their livelihoods.
Green business SMEs, often overlooked in conventional development programs, represent a critical link between economic growth and ecological stewardship.
Requests are now open for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) 2025 Innovation Call for Green Business SMEs in….
These enterprises employ innovative solutions such as climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy technologies, sustainable waste management, and eco-friendly production methods. Supporting such businesses contributes directly to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, reducing pollution, and promoting the efficient use of natural resources.
Moreover, Borno State’s unique socio-economic landscape calls for interventions that are not only environmentally conscious but also socially inclusive. The NRC’s focus on women-led and youth-focused enterprises ensures that the benefits of economic development reach marginalized groups. This is particularly important given that women and youth in Borno State face higher unemployment rates and limited access to capital and training opportunities.
In addition to fostering green entrepreneurship, the NRC’s Innovation Call places a strong emphasis on capacity building. Selected SMEs will benefit from mentorship, technical assistance, and networking opportunities designed to enhance their business models and improve market access. By promoting the integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates into their operations, these businesses will also create pathways for skill development and job creation within the local economy.
Ultimately, the 2025 NRC Innovation Call for Green Business SMEs in Borno State is more than a funding opportunity. It is a strategic platform aimed at building resilience within communities, enhancing environmental sustainability, and catalyzing economic growth. As global awareness about climate change and sustainable development intensifies, initiatives like this serve as models for how humanitarian organizations and local enterprises can collaborate to create lasting positive change.
Benefits for Selected SMEs (Expanded – 500+ Words)
Participating in the 2025 NRC Innovation Call for Green Business SMEs offers a range of significant benefits that extend well beyond initial financial support. This initiative is structured to provide comprehensive resources aimed at fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience for green businesses operating in Borno State. The benefits are designed not only to assist businesses in scaling up but also to embed sustainability deeply into their operational DNA.
1. Financial Support and Investment
One of the most immediate benefits for SMEs is the access to targeted financial support. Funding provided through the NRC Innovation Call is intended to cover critical business needs such as the procurement of eco-friendly equipment, expansion of production capacity, investment in renewable energy solutions, and implementation of sustainable practices. This capital injection can be a game-changer for SMEs, especially those in conflict-affected areas where access to traditional financing is limited.
2. Capacity Building and Technical Training
Beyond funding, the NRC is committed to equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the competitive green economy. Selected SMEs will receive hands-on training and mentorship from experts in sustainable business development, climate resilience, and environmental management. This capacity building enhances the ability of businesses to innovate, optimize their resource use, and adapt to changing market and environmental conditions.
3. Enhanced Market Access and Networking
The initiative also opens doors to valuable networking opportunities with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and potential investors. Through workshops, conferences, and exposure events facilitated by the NRC, SMEs can forge partnerships, collaborate on projects, and increase their visibility in the green business ecosystem. This expanded network is essential for accessing new markets, securing contracts, and scaling business operations.
4. Integration of Youth and TVET Graduates
Recognizing the critical role of youth in economic development, the NRC encourages SMEs to offer internships and job placements to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates. This integration not only helps bridge the skills gap in the local labor market but also strengthens the human capital available to these businesses. For SMEs, having access to a trained and motivated workforce translates to improved productivity and innovation.
5. Contribution to Community Resilience and Environmental Sustainability
Participating SMEs play a pivotal role in fostering community resilience. By focusing on green technologies and sustainable resource management, these businesses help mitigate the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation in Borno State. Their activities contribute to cleaner air and water, reduced waste, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices that protect local ecosystems.
6. Social and Gender Inclusivity
The NRC places a premium on supporting women-led and youth-owned enterprises. By prioritizing inclusivity, the Innovation Call helps reduce social inequalities and promotes economic empowerment for historically marginalized groups. This focus helps create a more equitable business environment where diverse entrepreneurs can thrive and drive sustainable development.
7. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement
Selected SMEs will engage in NRC’s monitoring and evaluation framework, which allows businesses to track progress, assess impact, and identify areas for improvement. This continuous feedback loop ensures that SMEs stay on course toward their sustainability goals while also demonstrating measurable outcomes to stakeholders.
Objectives of the NRC Innovation Call
The primary objectives of the NRC Innovation Call are:
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Promotion of Green Entrepreneurship: Encouraging the establishment and growth of businesses that prioritize environmental sustainability.
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Economic Empowerment: Providing financial support to SMEs, enabling them to expand operations and create employment opportunities.
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Climate Adaptation: Supporting businesses that offer solutions to climate-related challenges, enhancing community resilience.
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Gender Inclusivity: Prioritizing women-led and youth-focused enterprises to promote equitable economic participation.
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Youth and TVET Integration: Encouraging SMEs to offer internships and employment opportunities to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates.
Targeted Green Business Sectors
The NRC Innovation Call focuses on three key sectors:
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Green Agriculture:
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Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)
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Hydroponics and greenhouse horticulture
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Aquaculture (fish farming)
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Poultry farming
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Organic fertilizer production
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Livestock and feed formulation
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Seed production
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Green Energy:
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Solar energy solutions
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Bioenergy production
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Clean cooking technologies
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Micro-irrigation systems
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Green Waste Management:
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Recycling of organic and inorganic waste
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Production of eco-friendly products
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Waste-to-energy initiatives
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Climate-Resilient Technologies:
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Innovations supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the NRC Innovation Call, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Legal Status: Be a legally registered SME in Nigeria with operations in MMC and Jere LGA or demonstrate the capacity to operate in these areas.
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Experience: Possess 1 to 3 years of experience in the selected green business sector.
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Business Model: Present a clear and innovative business model aligned with sustainability and climate adaptation.
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Scalability: Propose a scalable business plan with potential for growth and job creation.
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Commitment to Inclusivity: Preference will be given to SMEs that are women-led, youth-focused, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity.
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TVET Integration: Willingness to provide internships and employment opportunities to TVET graduates under this project.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Agree to participate in NRC’s monitoring and outcome evaluation process to assess business transformation and impact.
Benefits for Selected SMEs
Participating in the 2025 NRC Innovation Call for Green Business SMEs offers a range of significant benefits that extend well beyond initial financial support. This initiative is structured to provide comprehensive resources aimed at fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience for green businesses operating in Borno State. The benefits are designed not only to assist businesses in scaling up but also to embed sustainability deeply into their operational DNA.
1. Financial Support and Investment
One of the most immediate benefits for SMEs is the access to targeted financial support. Funding provided through the NRC Innovation Call is intended to cover critical business needs such as the procurement of eco-friendly equipment, expansion of production capacity, investment in renewable energy solutions, and implementation of sustainable practices. This capital injection can be a game-changer for SMEs, especially those in conflict-affected areas where access to traditional financing is limited.
2. Capacity Building and Technical Training
Beyond funding, the NRC is committed to equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the competitive green economy. Selected SMEs will receive hands-on training and mentorship from experts in sustainable business development, climate resilience, and environmental management. This capacity building enhances the ability of businesses to innovate, optimize their resource use, and adapt to changing market and environmental conditions.
3. Enhanced Market Access and Networking
The initiative also opens doors to valuable networking opportunities with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and potential investors. Through workshops, conferences, and exposure events facilitated by the NRC, SMEs can forge partnerships, collaborate on projects, and increase their visibility in the green business ecosystem. This expanded network is essential for accessing new markets, securing contracts, and scaling business operations.
4. Integration of Youth and TVET Graduates
Recognizing the critical role of youth in economic development, the NRC encourages SMEs to offer internships and job placements to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates. This integration not only helps bridge the skills gap in the local labor market but also strengthens the human capital available to these businesses. For SMEs, having access to a trained and motivated workforce translates to improved productivity and innovation.
5. Contribution to Community Resilience and Environmental Sustainability
Participating SMEs play a pivotal role in fostering community resilience. By focusing on green technologies and sustainable resource management, these businesses help mitigate the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation in Borno State. Their activities contribute to cleaner air and water, reduced waste, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices that protect local ecosystems.
6. Social and Gender Inclusivity
The NRC places a premium on supporting women-led and youth-owned enterprises. By prioritizing inclusivity, the Innovation Call helps reduce social inequalities and promotes economic empowerment for historically marginalized groups. This focus helps create a more equitable business environment where diverse entrepreneurs can thrive and drive sustainable development.
7. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement
Selected SMEs will engage in NRC’s monitoring and evaluation framework, which allows businesses to track progress, assess impact, and identify areas for improvement. This continuous feedback loop ensures that SMEs stay on course toward their sustainability goals while also demonstrating measurable outcomes to stakeholders.
Application Process
Interested SMEs must submit an application that includes:
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Business Information: Name, registration details, and contact information.
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Business Description: Overview of business activities and current status.
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Business Plan: Detailed plan outlining objectives, expected impact, budget breakdown, and expansion or startup strategy.
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Evidence of Experience: Documentation of previous work, such as photos, reports, and certifications.
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Commitment Statements: Willingness to provide internships and participate in monitoring and evaluation processes.
All applications must be submitted to nrc.nigeria@nrc.no by June 12, 2025, at 15:00 Nigeria time. Late submissions will not be considered.
Importance of the Initiative
The NRC Innovation Call is a timely intervention aimed at addressing several pressing issues in Borno State:
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Economic Recovery: Supporting SMEs contributes to the revitalization of the local economy, especially in post-conflict regions.
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Environmental Sustainability: Encouraging green businesses helps in mitigating environmental degradation and promoting sustainable practices.
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Youth Empowerment: Providing opportunities for youth through internships and employment fosters skill development and reduces unemployment.
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Gender Equality: Empowering women-led enterprises promotes gender equality and economic inclusivity.