In a significant boost to Nigeria’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), Google’s Hustle Academy has allocated N75 million to support 15 standout Nigerian SMBs through its innovative funding initiative.
The move, which underscores Google’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurial ventures and fostering sustainable growth within the Nigerian business ecosystem, comes as 5,300 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Africa today celebrated their graduation from Google’s Hustle Academy.
The Hustle Academy program is renowned for its tailored approach to addressing the specific hurdles faced by SMBs across Africa. This milestone contributes to the growing community of over 10,300 graduates since the program’s inception in 2022.
Olumide Balogun, Google West Africa Country Director, praised the resilience and determination exhibited by these SMBs, recognising the transformative impact of the Hustle Academy in reshaping Nigeria’s business landscape. He says;
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.
Olumide Balogun, Google West Africa Country Director
Femi Bolaji, founder of Wauley Projects Limited and one of the fund recipients, expressed gratitude for the invaluable business knowledge gained through the program.
“The Hustle Academy has equipped us with vital business knowledge, and being selected for the fund is a significant boost that will propel our business forward,” he said.
Similar read: Google to support small businesses in Nigeria with ₦75 million Hustle Academy Fund
Google Hustle Academy’s success in Africa
The Hustle Academy’s success stories extend beyond Nigeria. For example, Pippy Leather Works, a Kenyan-based enterprise that specialises in high-quality leather goods and empowers local women, exemplifies the academy’s positive transformation across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This local enterprise, specialising in crafting high-quality leather goods and primarily employing local women, initially struggled to expand its reach and improve operational efficiency.
However, Pippy Leather’s business transformed in 2022 after its founder, Milka Adhiambo, attended the Google Hustle Academy. Today, it not only enjoys a robust online presence but has also doubled its revenue and expanded its team.
“To support the vital role SMBs play in Africa’s economy and in recognising the hurdles they face, we launched the Hustle Academy in 2022. This initiative offers tailored training, including business strategy, digital marketing, and financial planning, directly addressing the areas where SMBs most commonly encounter challenges,” Google says.
Read also: Google’s Hustle Academy graduates 5000 entrepreneurs from the class of 2022
The 15 selected SMBs
Google’s Hustle Academy Impact Report revealed impressive outcomes, with 80% of participants reporting revenue growth and a significant increase in access to new funding sources. This year’s graduation of over 5,300 SMBs further solidifies the program’s success, contributing to a cumulative total of more than 10,300 graduates since its inception.
The 15 SMBs chosen as recipients of the 75 million Naira fund reflect the diverse entrepreneurial spirit in Nigeria:
- 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
As these SMBs’ achievements are celebrated, their strides not only signify business growth but also demonstrate their pivotal role in driving economic progress within their respective communities and the country at large.
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
