*More than 550 applications received and over 40 businesses selected across 14 states for an eight-week programme focused on strengthening business foundations, driving market growth and preparing SMEs for investment.Lagos, Nigeria — September 21, 2026 — Grow Enterprise Africa (GEA) has launched its GEA SME Accelerator 2026, an eight-week programme designed to equip selected Nigerian businesses with the capabilities and connections needed to build stronger foundations for sustainable growth.
Nigeria is a country built on enterprise. Across agriculture, technology, finance, retail and professional services, millions of Nigerians are building businesses, creating jobs and turning ideas into products and services. But for many founders, the challenge is not a lack of ambition — it is access to the knowledge, structure, guidance, finance and networks needed to move their businesses from where they are today to where they have the potential to be
The programme was officially launched on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at The Good House in Lagos, a partner of the Accelerator, bringing together selected business owners, partners, faculty members and the wider business community
A Diverse Inaugural CohortThe first cohort was selected from more than 550 applications, with over 40 businesses admitted from 14 states, including Lagos, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Taraba, Abuja, Kano, Adamawa, Kwara, Kebbi and Oyo. Agriculture accounts for the largest share of participating businesses, many of which have operated for five to ten years and employ approximately four to eight people
Speaking on the launch, Remi Ademiju, Founder of Grow Enterprise Africa, said:“A thriving SME sector is the bedrock of a prosperous society. Entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving economic development, and their growth directly shapes the socio-economic advancement of our communities
“At GEA, our purpose is to bridge critical growth gaps. Through the SME Accelerator, we are equipping founders with the structure, insight, network and access to finance and markets needed to scale sustainably and contribute meaningfully to the economy
“It is a privilege to lead an organisation dedicated to empowering ambitious founders in Africa, and we remain fully committed to supporting their success every step of the way.”
Practical Learning Across Five Focus AreasOver the next eight weeks, participants will take part in practical training, mentorship, peer learning, assignments and sessions with experienced professionals across five focus areas: People & Leadership, Legal & Governance, Marketing & Brand Visibility, Sales & Market Growth, Finance & Capital Readiness
Together, these areas are designed to support three key outcomes: investment readiness and access to finance; access to markets and sales growth; and operational excellence through stronger systems, processes and management practices. The programme combines business education with practical application, enabling founders to examine their operations, identify gaps and begin implementing improvements
Experienced FacultyThe Accelerator’s faculty comprises experienced professionals and business leaders, including:• Lolia Kienka, Director of Corporate Services and Government Relations, Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited (BFPCL)• Goodness Armstrong, Founder, StartupHR Africa, and former HR Business Partner at Microsoft• Rosemond Phil-Othihiwa, Chairperson, Corporate Governance and Compliance Committee, Nigerian Bar Association – Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL)• Florence Damilola Olatunbosun, Co-founder, Akkant, a financial management service for SMEs• Victor Bella, Founder, Socialander, a Pan-African marketing company serving more than 630 clients across 32 countries.
These founders are not short of ambition or of good products. What most of them are missing is a repeatable sales process
“My sessions will focus on building one: knowing who is worth chasing, and what happens next every single time. What struck me yesterday was how specific the questions were. These entrepreneurs are not looking for motivation; they are looking for structure. That is precisely what a well-run accelerator should give them, and it is what I intend to bring to the sales sessions,” Lolia Kienka, Commercial and Corporate Strategy Leader – facilitating the Sales focus area of the GEA SME Accelerator.
Founders at the CentreJoyce Folaranmi, Founder of Agro Haven and a participant in the programme, said:“I’m quite excited about the program. The few sessions we had have been insightful. The facilitators know their onions, and they’ve been able to pass down that knowledge as well
“I’m looking forward to learning more, connecting with other builders, and taking advantage of all the program has to offer.”
Also, from Paul James Eteudo, Founder of Vegituber Farms Limited, a participant in the programme said: “It was an interactive and engaging experience; I loved the intimacy of the gathering. It gave room for everyone to be seen and heard
“My team and I look forward to getting more market access, funding opportunities, amongst other collaborations that will be profitable for our enterprise.”
GEA intends to sustain engagement with participating businesses after the programme, with continued learning, networking and access to relevant business support. A key part of this ambition is building relationships with corporate organisations, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), financial institutions and angel investors interested in supporting credible, growth-oriented businesses — developing a pipeline of investment-ready SMEs and facilitating connections to potential sources of finance. GEA is also seeking partners and sponsors to support the continued development and expansion of its programmes.
Nigeria has never lacked people willing to build. The GEA SME Accelerator 2026 is one step towards ensuring they have the knowledge, structure, networks and finance to build businesses that last
About Grow Enterprise AfricaGrow Enterprise Africa (GEA) is an SME support organisation that helps businesses grow through practical business education, mentorship and access to networks and opportunities. Its mission is to become a leading enabler of entrepreneurship in Africa by connecting entrepreneurs with the knowledge, re businesses
The GEA SME Accelerator is an eight-week programme helping selected businesses strengthen finance, sales, marketing, people and leadership, and legal and governance, supporting investment readiness, market growth and operational excellence. GEA welcomes partnerships and sponsorships from organisations and individuals committed to supporting entrepreneurship and SME development across Africa