Paystack Launches Four-Week Programme to Help Small Businesses Grow

By Adedapo Adesanya

Paystack has launched Small Business Launchpad, a four-week business growth programme designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using its platform strengthen their operations and scale sustainably.

The payments technology company said the first cohort will begin on August 27, 2026, admitting up to 50 selected businesses. Participants will receive practical business training, expert mentoring and direct support from Paystack, with sessions focusing on customer acquisition, cash flow management, business operations and growth.

The initiative is the latest in a series of programmes by Paystack aimed at supporting merchants beyond payment processing. It follows the launch of the Paystack Small Business Bundle in June, which gives eligible merchants access to discounted products and services from partner organisations.

According to the company, the Launchpad programme will build on that support by providing practical learning, access to experienced business operators, networking opportunities and hands-on guidance for entrepreneurs.

To qualify, applicants must be active Paystack merchants operating a small or medium-sized business in Nigeria. Successful applicants will be required to commit to the full four-week programme and pay a N150,000 participation fee.

Participants will have access to business clinics led by experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, one-on-one office hours to discuss specific business challenges, priority Paystack support throughout the programme, and product benefits including early access to selected Paystack offerings.

Businesses that complete the programme will also receive three months of free payment processing, capped at N25 million in processed transactions, while becoming part of an alumni community that will continue after the programme ends.

Speaking on the initiative, Ms Jumoke Gbeleyi, Strategy and Operations Leader at Paystack, said the programme was designed to address the practical challenges entrepreneurs face daily.

“Small business owners are making decisions every day about customers, cash flow, operations and growth, often with limited time and support. Launchpad gives us a practical way to work more closely with the merchants building on Paystack, connect them with experienced operators, and help them leave with stronger systems, relevant networks and actions they can apply immediately. We want the programme to be useful from day one, not theoretical,” she said.

Paystack said the inaugural cohort will cover topics including customer acquisition, financial management, business systems and lessons from experienced operators.

The sessions will be facilitated by founders, senior business executives, finance specialists and industry leaders, including Mr Babajide Duroshola, Managing Director, Nigeria at M-KOPA; Mr Luther Lawoyin, co-founder of Pricepally; Ms Nana Abu, Senior Manager at KPMG; Mr Kenny Isichei of Bumpa; and Ms Jumoke Dada, founder of Taéillo.

The company said the programme will initially focus on Nigeria, with plans to introduce additional cohorts in the future.