The Federal Government, through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has opened applications for the Zero to 100 Pitch Competition, offering Nigerian businesses a chance to win from a ₦30 million grant pool.
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The competition is part of the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Conference 2026, scheduled for November 8 to 10 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos.
Three winners will receive grants: ₦15 million for first place, ₦10 million for second place and ₦5 million for third place. Ten businesses will be shortlisted for the semi-finals, with the shortlist expected on October 26. Entry is free.
Applicants who qualify will receive a trip to Lagos for the conference. Submitting an application does not guarantee shortlisting or a grant.
Requirements
Applicants should prepare their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number, a valid SMEDAN ID, a pitch deck in PDF format up to 10MB, and a public Instagram pitch video lasting 1.5 to two minutes. A SMEDAN certificate may also be attached in PDF, JPG or PNG format, up to 2MB.
Applicants without a SMEDAN ID can register through the agency’s portal before applying. Videos posted on other platforms will not be accepted.
The deadline is October 22, 2026, at 5pm. Submitted information must be accurate.
How to apply
- Follow SMEDAN on Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok, and follow GROW NIGERIAN on Instagram.
- Publish a 1.5–2 minute pitch video on Instagram, tag @smedangov and @grownigerianhq, and use #MSMEConference2026, #SMEDANPitchCompetition and #GrowNigerian.
- Complete the form at https://conference.smedan.gov.ng/pitch before the deadline.
