SMEDAN to Launch 100 Millionaire Entrepreneurs at GROW 2026

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) announced plans to create 100 new millionaire entrepreneurs at the GROW Nigerian Conference 2026, taking place from November 8 to 10 in Lagos. Director-General and Chief Executive Officer Charles Odii stated that the conference, themed “GROW Nigerian: The Next Frontier for Innovation, Policy and Market Access,” aims to connect small businesses with essential skills, finance, markets, and institutional support.

The program includes intensive masterclasses and enterprise funding, culminating in financial grants for selected participants. Additionally, the Zero to 100 Pitch Competition will offer further funding opportunities, featuring a ₦100 million prize pool, with disbursements occurring at the conference and another event in northern Nigeria.

Odii emphasized the conference's goal of addressing practical challenges that hinder entrepreneurial talent from becoming viable businesses, highlighting the importance of access to capital and business management skills.