Google seeks applications for N75m Fund for Nigerian businesses

Google is seeping applications for its Hustle Academy Fund, a N75 million equity-free fund dedicated to the Nigerian small and medium businesses.

Google’s head, brand and reputation for Sub-Saharan Africa, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, said in a statement that the initiative would offer N5 million to 15 Nigerian small business owners.

“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,” she said.

Google’s Hustle Academy, introduced in 2022, provides SMEs with business and management education, mentoring, and networking.

Since its inception, the programme has graduated over 4,000 small businesses in Nigeria, Aderemi-Makinde said.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Hustle Academy SMB Fund, businesses must be Nigerian-founded, and must have operated within Nigeria for between one and seven years.

They must have a clear and scalable business plan and operate in sectors aligned with the digital economy or have a digital enablement strategy.

Previous participation in the Hustle Academy programme is an added advantage. The Google Hustle Academy is currently open to businesses in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

Applications will close on October 12 and can be made via ‘google/hustleacademyfund’.