TheCable

Google says it provided N75 million in capital support to 15 Nigerian small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) for growth and expansion.

According to the firm in a statement on Thursday, the funding package came alongside the graduation of 5,300 small businesses across Africa in Google’s Hustle Academy programme.

Google said the Hustle Academy programme is specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by SMBs in Africa, providing them with practical skills and resources to fuel their growth.

The firm added that the graduation marks a continuation of the programme’s impact, with over 10,300 entrepreneurs having participated since its inception in 2022.

“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,” Google said.

“This initiative aims to provide a combination of financial assistance, mentorship, and business tool access to some of the most promising Nigerian SMBs.”

Commenting on the need to support SMBs, Olumide Balogun, Google West Africa country director, praised the graduating SMBs for their unwavering dedication to business growth.

“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,” Balogun said.

“We are not just celebrating their graduation today; we are recognizing their potential to reshape and invigorate the Nigerian business landscape.”

Femi Bolaji, founder of Wauley Projects Limited, a graduate from Nigeria and one of the 15 fund recipients said the programme made a transformative impact in his business.

“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.

The awardees, representing various industries in Nigeria, include:

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