Google has officially opened the application process for the Hustle Academy SME fund, making N75 million accessible to 15 small business owners in Nigeria. Notably, this fund is devoid of any equity requirements, reaffirming Google’s dedication to nurturing entrepreneurial growth within Nigeria..
Introduced in 2022, Google’s Hustle Academy provides SMEs with business and management education, mentoring, and networking, with a particular emphasis on preparing them to package their businesses in order to raise the necessary capital to take their businesses to the next level. Since its inception, the program has graduated over 4,000 SMBs in Nigeria, with a notable 74% from the first year reporting marked business growth.
“The Hustle Academy Fund is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Nigerian small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. We are hopeful that this fund will further empower them to succeed and drive economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for all Nigerians.”
Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, Head of Brand & Reputation, Sub Saharan Africa at Google
Echoing the sentiment, Sinmisola Nojimu-Yusuf, Product Marketing Manager and the Hustle Academy Program Lead at Google, said, “The Hustle Academy Fund provides SMBs with the resources and support they need to succeed. With equity-free funding, mentorship, and opportunities for increased visibility and networking, we are supporting SMBs to grow and thrive. We are committed to supporting the Nigerian entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the Hustle Academy Fund is a key part of that commitment.
Eligibility for the Hustle Academy SMB Fund
The Eligibility and Criteria for selection are listed below;
- Must be an SME formally registered and operating in Nigeria.
- Business should be between 1-7 years old.
- Businesses must have digital-enabled scalable products or services.
- Be a graduate of the Hustle Academy Program.
- Business should employ no more than 15 employees.
- Business must have a clear growth plan and the ability to leverage the fund to achieve it.
- Show willingness to engage in mentorship and utilize Google’s suite of tools and platforms.
Applications for the Hustle Academy Fund are open September 28 and will close on October 12th.
For detailed insights into the fund and application procedures, head to goo.gle/hustleacademyfund.
