The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is set to support the growth of Nigerian businesses through a new initiative targeting the creation of 100 millionaire entrepreneurs.
The programme will be featured at the GROW Nigerian Conference 2026, scheduled for November 8–10, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. It will combine business training, funding opportunities and access to potential customers and investors.
According to SMEDAN Director-General, Charles Odii, the initiative is designed to address some of the major challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria. These include inadequate funding, limited business management knowledge and difficulties accessing wider markets.
The conference will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, regulators and other stakeholders to explore practical ways of strengthening Nigerian businesses.
SMEDAN Announces ₦30 Million Zero to 100 Pitch Competition
One of the major highlights of the conference is the Zero to 100 Pitch Competition, which has a total grant pool of ₦30 million for selected businesses.
Under the competition, the three successful participants are expected to receive:
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First place: ₦15 million
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Second place: ₦10 million
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Third place: ₦5 million
However, applications for the pitch competition have closed. Businesses that were shortlisted are expected to present their ideas during the conference for a chance to secure the grants.
Entrepreneurs who did not apply before the deadline should note that the pitch competition is no longer open to new entries.
Participants Can Win ₦1 Million During Selected Sessions
Apart from the main pitch competition, SMEDAN is providing additional financial incentives through selected conference sessions.
Participants attending eligible sessions in person will have opportunities to win ₦1 million. The winners will be selected by the individual session leaders.
Two runners-up in each session are also expected to receive ₦250,000 each.
These awards are separate from the Zero to 100 Pitch Competition. Entrepreneurs interested in participating should review the conference programme and identify sessions offering the financial incentives.
GROW Nigerian Conference to Feature Business Training and Masterclasses
The GROW Nigerian Conference 2026 will include practical masterclasses, business discussions and interactive sessions aimed at helping entrepreneurs improve their operations.
The training is expected to cover important areas of business development, including management, access to finance, business growth and market opportunities.
The goal is to help business owners turn their ideas and practical skills into sustainable businesses, expand their operations and create employment opportunities.
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The conference will also provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with investors, financial institutions, regulators and potential business partners.
Nigeria First Fair to Showcase Products From Local Businesses
Another major attraction will be the Nigeria First Fair, which will run throughout the three-day conference.
The fair will give members of the public an opportunity to discover and purchase products directly from Nigerian businesses. Exhibitors are expected to represent different sectors, including fashion, food, beauty, technology and other consumer industries.
Entry to the fair is free for registered visitors, making it an opportunity for consumers to support local businesses while discovering products made and supplied by Nigerian entrepreneurs.
For participating businesses, the fair offers a platform to showcase their products, reach potential customers and build valuable market connections.
How to Register for the GROW Nigerian Conference 2026
Entrepreneurs and members of the public interested in attending the conference can register through SMEDAN’s official conference website.
Those hoping to participate in the ₦1 million session awards should review the available sessions and register for a suitable track. Physical attendance at the relevant session in Lagos is required because the masterclasses are not available online.
General conference registration is free, but participants should check session availability before travelling, as spaces may be limited. The session leaders will select the award winners during the relevant sessions.
Important: The Zero to 100 Pitch Competition is closed to new applications. Registration for the general conference does not automatically mean an attendee is eligible for the pitch competition or a session award.
Official registration link: https://conference.smedan.gov.ng/register
What Nigerian Entrepreneurs Should Know
The GROW Nigerian Conference 2026 presents an opportunity for business owners to access practical training, connect with relevant industry stakeholders and explore new markets.
Although the ₦30 million pitch competition is no longer accepting applications, eligible conference participants can still look into the separate session-based awards and attend the Nigeria First Fair.
Entrepreneurs planning to attend should use the official SMEDAN registration website, review the programme carefully and confirm the availability of their preferred sessions before making travel arrangements.
