Google empowers 15 Nigerian SMEs with N75 million
Google has granted a total of N75 million to 15 Nigerian small and medium-sized companies (SMBs) under its Hustle Academy programme.
The 15 Nigerians were part of the 5,300 SMBs from across Africa who celebrated their graduation from Google’s Hustle Academy in an event that took place on Thursday.
According to a statement by Google, “This initiative aims to provide a combination of financial assistance, mentorship, and business tool access to some of the most promising Nigerian SMBs. The recipients represent various industries and demonstrate the creativity of Nigerian entrepreneurs.
“The graduation marked a continuation of the programme’s impact, with over 10,300 entrepreneurs having participated since its inception in 2022.
“The Hustle Academy programme, designed to address specific challenges faced by SMBs in Africa, offers practical skills and resources to help these businesses grow.
“This year’s graduation adds to the momentum gained from last year’s 5,000 graduates, reflecting a growing community of businesses engaged in continuous learning and improvement.”
List of Recipients
The recipients represent various industries and demonstrate the creativity of Nigerian entrepreneurs:
- Ifeoma Augusta Anselem – Rae’s Clothing
- Femi Bolaji – Wauley Projects Limited
- Nafisa Abdulrazaq Sabo – Pinch N’ Dash
- Funmilola Moronke Agbayewa – Segunfunmi foods Nigeria Limited
- Chigozie Bashua – The Nut Place Limited
- John Samuel Andefiki – Kita Farm
- Hussaini Aliyu Baba – Lead Way Family Poultry
- Aminu Abdulkarim – A.A.K. Shoes
- Constance Ufuoma Edesiri – Stance Fashion Empire
- Chikere Onyinyechi Breakthrough – Clozetsales
- Anita Aletor – Rotela Business Synergy
- Ojo Femi Christopher – Foodlane ventures
- Angela Jidechukwu Nwabueze – Jelapetra Farms Ltd
- Eniola Robert – Ennie Wears
- Blessing Akpan – Inyene Agro Processing Factory Ltd
Discover the inspiring journey of African SMBs in our latest blog post on the Google Africa blog. Learn how the Hustle Academy is empowering businesses across the continent. #HustleAcademy https://t.co/AWru6pSYHN pic.twitter.com/vEuCzyHdVz
— Google in Africa (@googleafrica) November 23, 2023
Google West Africa Country Director, Olumide Balogun, said: “The passion and resilience shown by these SMBs are truly inspiring. The Hustle Academy is a testament to what focused training and resources can achieve. We are not just celebrating their graduation today; we are recognizing their potential to reshape and invigorate the Nigerian business landscape.”
One of the fund recipients, Agbayewa said the Hustle Academy has equipped them with vital business knowledge and experience that would help in the growth and development of their business.
Agbayewa, a cancer survivor, said the fund would be invested in her cancer centre foundation to address the needs of cancer patients
Since the program’s inception in 2022, more than 10,300 entrepreneurs have taken part, and the commencement ceremony signifies the program’s prolonged influence.
As an expanding community of businesses committed to ongoing development and learning, this year’s graduation builds upon the momentum established with last year’s 5,000 graduates.
Developed to tackle the unique obstacles encountered by SMBs in Africa, the Hustle Academy programme provides these companies with strategic alliances and operational support.
