By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Grants worth over N2 million have been given out to Baams Creatives, Phena Coconuts, and Durojay Production Limited to help them scale up their products.
The funds were shared with the beneficiaries after they emerged winners of the 2023 edition of the Small Business Annual Grant organised by Kilsah Consulting and MSME Africa.
Business Post gathered that the trio were presented their cash prizes on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the ICAN-BOI Hub, Yaba, Lagos.
The program, which lasted over one month, recorded over 400 applications, and 50 individuals participating in a virtual boot camp before ten finalists were selected to pitch for the grand prizes.
A 3-man jury panel comprising Mr Paul Adeyinka of Adeyinka Vine Limited, Mr Paul Omugbe of the Association of Project Managers in Nigeria, and Ms Angela O. Elefor judged the presentations made by the 10 contestants, who were evaluated based on their product, people, potentials and predictability.
After keen consideration, the judges selected three winners, with Badmos Comfort of Baams Creatives going home with N1 million as the overall winner.
Victoria Adeyeye of Phena Coconuts emerged as the first runner-up and received N700,000, while Durojaiye Olusegun of Durojay Production Limited was the second runner-up and went away with N500,000.
Speaking at the event, Mr Usman Imanah of Friska Food encouraged the business owners to focus on capacity building and development as potent tools for entrepreneurial excellence.
He shared his personal experiences and gave tailored advice to the contestants to help them maintain a competitive advantage in the business landscape.
On their part, the organisers congratulated all participants for their commitment to making a difference and assured them of continuous support in the future.
Dipo Olowookere 
Adedapo Adesanya