By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The sum of N75 million has been disbursed to 15 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Nigeria to support their expansion drive.
The funding package was given by Google’s Hustle Academy, with beneficiaries drawn from various industries, including agriculture, and fashion, among others.
The 15 Nigerian small business owners were among the 5,300 entrepreneurs who graduated from the academy, designed by the tech giant to provide an avenue for participants to enhance their business skills and knowledge, and contribute to the growth of the continent’s economy.
The recipients of the funding support are Ifeoma Augusta Anselem of Rae’s Clothing, Femi Bolaji of Wauley Projects Limited, Nafisa Abdulrazaq Sabo of Pinch N’ Dash, Funmilola Moronke Agbayewa of Segunfunmi Foods Nigeria Limited, Chigozie Bashua of The Nut Place Limited, and John Samuel Andefiki of Kita Farm.
Others are Hussaini Aliyu Baba of Lead Way Family Poultry, Aminu Abdulkarim of A.A.K. Shoes, Constance Ufuoma Edesiri of Stance Fashion Empire, Chikere Onyinyechi Breakthrough of Clozetsales, Anita Aletor of Rotela Business Synergy, Ojo Femi Christopher of Foodlane Ventures, Angela Jidechukwu Nwabueze of Jelapetra Farms Ltd, Eniola Robert of Ennie Wears, and Blessing Akpan of Inyene Agro Processing Factory Ltd.
Apart from the financial assistance, these business owners will enjoy mentorship, and have access to some vital business tools to help them upscale their businesses.
One of the graduates, Femi Bolaji of Wauley Projects Limited, while speaking of the initiative, said, “The Hustle Academy has equipped us with vital business knowledge, and being selected for the fund is a significant boost that will propel our business forward.”
On his part, the Country Director for Google West Africa, Mr Olumide Balogun, said, “The passion and resilience shown by these SMBs are truly inspiring.
“The Hustle Academy is a testament to what focused training and resources can achieve. We are not just celebrating their graduation today; we are recognizing their potential to reshape and invigorate the Nigerian business landscape.”
Business Post gathered that since its inception in 2022, over 10,300 entrepreneurs have participated in Google’s Hustle Academy.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka