Lagos SME Bootcamp Empowers Over 700 Entrepreneurs with Skills and Funding Opportunities
Over 700 small business owners gathered in Lagos for the 8th edition of the Lagos SME Bootcamp, an annual event designed to equip Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the tools to thrive in Nigeria’s competitive business landscape. The three-day program focused on challenges such as funding gaps, intellectual property protection, and building brand visibility.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) noted that SMEs contribute nearly 48% of Nigeria’s GDP and provide 84% of jobs nationwide. However, many entrepreneurs struggle with access to capital, legal support, and market positioning. The bootcamp aimed to bridge these gaps, offering hands-on knowledge and practical strategies to help businesses grow sustainably.
Ayo Bankole Akintujoye, Co-Founder and Convener of the Lagos SME Bootcamp, highlighted the transformative impact of the event. “Today, we are celebrating hundreds of businesses that have improved operations and built sustainable enterprises through the knowledge and connections gained here,” he said, underscoring the program’s role in fostering entrepreneurial resilience.
Speakers at the event tackled critical SME concerns across three plenary sessions. Legal and financial foundations were emphasized by Oyinkansola Fawehinmi, Isah Aruwa, and Todimu Ige, who urged business owners to secure intellectual property and proper documentation. Meanwhile, Israel-Ayide of Carpe Diem Solutions encouraged entrepreneurs to tell authentic stories from their businesses, turning trust into lasting customer relationships.
The bootcamp concluded with sessions on leadership, business model evolution, and scaling ventures in uncertain markets. Godwin Tom of Sony Music Publishing Nigeria and Ashley Immanuel of Semicolon stressed agility and sustainability. An exhibition marketplace hosted over 75 businesses, and a pitch competition awarded grants to three promising entrepreneurs, signaling a tangible boost to the SME ecosystem.
source: punch