SMEDAN Zero to 100 Pitch Competition 2026 grant for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

About

The Zero to 100 Pitch Competition is part of SMEDAN's National MSME Conference 2026, known as GROW Nigerian. The competition gives Nigerian businesses an opportunity to present their ventures to a judging panel and compete for grants to support business growth.

The initiative is intended for businesses with a clear value proposition, a credible growth plan and the potential to contribute to Nigeria's small-business sector.

Who can apply?

The competition is intended for Nigerian businesses that meet the official application criteria.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

- Their business details and CAC registration number.

- A valid SMEDAN identification number.

- A pitch deck outlining the business.

- A public Instagram video presenting the business and its value proposition.

- Any other information requested in the application form.

A SMEDAN ID is required. Applicants who do not yet have one can register through the SMEDAN portal before completing their application.

Grant prizes

The total grant pool is N30 million, distributed as follows:

- First place: N15 million

- Second place: N10 million

- Third place: N5 million

Ten businesses are expected to advance to the semi-final stage, where they will pitch before the live final.

How to apply

1. Obtain your SMEDAN ID if you do not already have one.
2. Prepare a pitch deck in PDF format.
3. Record a pitch video lasting between 1 minute 30 seconds and 2 minutes.
4. Publish the video publicly on Instagram, following the competition's tagging and hashtag instructions.
5. Complete the official online application and submit the required business information and links.

The official instructions specify the hashtags #MSMEConference2026, #SMEDANPitchCompetition and #GrowNigerian, and require applicants to tag the designated accounts.

Application link:

https://conference.smedan.gov.ng/register/pitch

Application deadline

27 October 2026 at 11.59 pm

Important notice

Applications opened on 15 October 2026. The shortlist is scheduled for 26 October, with the National MSME Conference taking place from 8-10 November 2026 in Lagos.

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