The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has announced a ₦100 million funding initiative aimed at creating 100 millionaire entrepreneurs through business grants, training and market opportunities.
The initiative forms part of the 2026 GROW Nigerian Conference, scheduled for November 8 to 10 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
SMEDAN Director-General Charles Odii said the programme would help entrepreneurs overcome financial and business management challenges.
How to Participate in SMEDAN’s Grant Programme
Entrepreneurs interested in the funding opportunities can follow the steps outlined on SMEDAN’s official conference website.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Visit https://conference.smedan.gov.ng/millionaires to explore available funding opportunities and the GROW Millionaires programme.
Step 2: Select a Business Track
Choose a session related to your business or professional skills. Available tracks include creative economy, event management, beauty, photography, content creation, music, and media and education.
Step 3: Complete Your Registration
Provide the requested personal and business information, including your name, email address, phone number, state of residence and business details.
Applicants entering certain tracks must also provide an active public Instagram account and explain how they would use the grant.
Registration is free.
Step 4: Attend the Conference
Registered participants must attend their selected sessions physically at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos.
Participants should present their registration tickets at the venue. Travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of attendees.
Step 5: Participate in the Selection Process
Each GROW Millionaires session leader will select one winner to receive ₦1 million and two runners-up to receive ₦250,000 each.
Selection will depend on the assessment conducted by the session leader. Registration or attendance does not automatically guarantee funding.
What About the ₦30 Million Pitch Competition?
SMEDAN is also organising the Zero to 100 Pitch Competition, with a separate ₦30 million grant pool.
The competition offers ₦15 million to the winner, ₦10 million to the runner-up and ₦5 million to the third-place finalist.
Applicants were required to submit business information, a pitch deck and a public Instagram pitch video.
However, applications for the 2026 pitch competition closed on October 27, while the shortlist was scheduled for announcement on November 2.
The final competition and grant presentations are scheduled for November 10.
Why SMEDAN Is Providing the Funding
According to Odii, many Nigerians possess valuable business skills but struggle to establish or expand businesses because of limited access to capital and management knowledge.
The agency aims to address these challenges through funding, practical training and connections with investors, regulators and potential customers.
The conference will also feature the Nigeria First Fair and a NAFDAC summit to help small businesses understand registration requirements and access markets.
Entrepreneurs are advised to monitor SMEDAN’s official website for further announcements concerning additional funding opportunities, including its planned activities in northern Nigeria.
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