Google, on Thursday announced the opening of applications for its Hustle Academy Nigerian Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) Fund, a N75 million equity-free fund dedicated to amplifying the ambitions of SMBs.
This initiative offering N5million to 15 Nigerian small business owners, cements Google’s unwavering commitment to cultivating entrepreneurial growth in Nigeria.
Small businesses form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, yet they consistently grapple with challenges, notably the perennial obstacle of securing vital funding.
According to the World Bank, African SMBs face a staggering finance gap of $330 billion. Additionally, only 25 per cent of SMBs in Africa have access to bank loans, a percentage that sharply contrasts the 50 per cent observed in developed economies.
Google’s Hustle Academy, introduced in 2022, provides SMEs with business and management education, mentoring, and networking, with a particular emphasis on preparing them to package their businesses in order to raise the necessary capital to take their businesses to the next level. Since its inception, the program has graduated over 4,000 SMBs in Nigeria, with a notable 74 per cent from the first year reporting marked business growth.
Building on the success and impact of the Hustle Academy initiative, the Hustle Academy Fund earmarks a N75 Million pool exclusively for Nigeria to support 15 investor-ready SMBs through non-dilutive funding. This commitment is further enriched with tailored mentorship, ensuring these businesses are primed for success.
Head of Brand & Reputation, Sub Saharan Africa at Google, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, in a press statement, made available to LEADERSHIP averred that, “The Hustle Academy Fund is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Nigerian small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.
We are hopeful that this fund will further empower them to succeed and drive economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for all Nigerians.”
Echoing the sentiment, product marketing manager and the Hustle Academy Programme Lead at Google, Sinmisola Nojimu-Yusuf, said: “The Hustle Academy Fund provides SMBs with the resources and support they need to succeed. With equity-free funding, mentorship, and opportunities for increased visibility and networking, we are supporting SMBs to grow and thrive. We are committed to supporting the Nigerian entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the Hustle Academy Fund is a key part of that commitment.”
To be eligible for the Hustle Academy SMB Fund, businesses must be Nigerian-founded, operating within Nigeria for one to five years, and have a clear and scalable business plan.
They should have a track record of commitment to growth, operate in sectors aligned with the digital economy or have a digital enablement strategy, and, while not mandatory, previous participation in the Hustle Academy program is an added advantage. Applications for the Hustle Academy Fund are open September 28 and will close on October 12th.
