The Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF), in partnership with the National Board for Technology Incubation and the London School of Social Enterprise and Sustainable Economics, has announced the launch of the 2025 Fortune Entrepreneur Accelerato… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader NCDF opens ₦50m accelerator programme for Nigerian startups, SMEs By sbinsights on April 21, 2025 The Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF), in partnership with the National Board for Technology Incubation and the London School of Social Enterprise and Sustainable Economics, has announced the launch of the 2025 Fortune Entrepreneur Accelerator, Summit, and Venture Capital Programme. The initiative aims to identify and support 1,000 high-potential Nigerian startups and SMEs operating in key sectors including agriculture, energy, fintech, healthcare, manufacturing, the creative economy, and climate innovation. It will culminate in a national summit scheduled for September 2025 in Benin City, Edo State. At the heart of the programme is the NCDF Opportunity Growth Fund, which offers equity funding of up to ₦50 million to selected businesses. The fund is designed to unlock over $10 billion in long-term value, while driving youth empowerment, job creation, and industrial growth. Read also NCDF opens ₦50m accelerator programme for Nigerian startups, SMEs FG partners UK to reform gas regulations, boost investor confidence, infrastructure ACCI president urges business community to embrace resilience, innovation this easter UN women pushes for inclusive procurement to empower women-led smes with disabilities Akwa Ibom moves to boost small businesses through tourism According to Hareter Babatunde Oralusi, Executive Chairman of NCDF, the programme is not just about startup support, but about building globally competitive enterprises that can power Nigeria's innovation-driven economy. The eight-week accelerator will provide participants with hands-on business development, regulatory compliance training, and investor readiness support. Finalists will pitch to investors and exhibit their solutions at the Fortune Entrepreneur Summit. Eligible applicants must be Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18 to 45, running businesses at the idea, MVP, or early growth stage. The programme particularly welcomes women-led, youth-driven, and tech-enabled enterprises with strong social and economic impact. The participation fee is ₦50,000.

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The Federal Government is collaborating with the United Kingdom's Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) to strengthen Nigeria's gas regulatory framework, in a move expected to boost investor confidence and expand infrastructure across th… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader FG partners UK to reform gas regulations, boost investor confidence, infrastructure By sbinsights on April 21, 2025 The Federal Government is collaborating with the United Kingdom's Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) to strengthen Nigeria's gas regulatory framework, in a move expected to boost investor confidence and expand infrastructure across the country. The partnership was formalized during a high-level meeting in London involving the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, officials of Ofgem, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). According to a statement from the Minister's spokesperson, Louis Ibah, the collaboration is geared toward enhancing regulatory innovation, improving domestic gas utilisation, and promoting projects like gas-to-power, pipeline development, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) networks—all crucial for SME growth and industrial expansion. Read also FG partners UK to reform gas regulations, boost investor confidence, infrastructure ACCI president urges business community to embrace resilience, innovation this easter UN women pushes for inclusive procurement to empower women-led smes with disabilities Akwa Ibom moves to boost small businesses through tourism SMEDAN begins ₦5 billion grant disbursement to support student entrepreneurs Minister Ekpo emphasized the importance of Nigeria-UK partnerships in unlocking targeted investments that can improve gas delivery and energy access for local businesses. He also noted the country's push toward renewable gases and emissions reduction, seeking Ofgem's guidance on integrating cleaner energy sources like hydrogen into Nigeria's mix. NMDPRA CEO, Farouk Ahmed, described the partnership as timely, pointing out its role in developing a transparent, investor-friendly regulatory environment that could benefit SMEs engaged in energy-related sectors. The Ministry and NMDPRA reaffirmed their commitment to working with global institutions like Ofgem to align Nigeria's gas sector with sustainability goals and economic growth strategies.

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The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Emeka Obegolu, has called on entrepreneurs and business leaders across Nigeria to embrace the spirit of Easter as a time for renewal, reflection, and renewed commitment to econo… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader ACCI president urges business community to embrace resilience, innovation this easter By sbinsights on April 21, 2025 The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Emeka Obegolu, has called on entrepreneurs and business leaders across Nigeria to embrace the spirit of Easter as a time for renewal, reflection, and renewed commitment to economic growth. In his Easter message, Dr. Obegolu acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the Nigerian business environment, from economic uncertainty to infrastructural and policy hurdles. He encouraged the private sector to remain resilient, innovative, and united in the face of adversity. Read also ACCI president urges business community to embrace resilience, innovation this easter UN women pushes for inclusive procurement to empower women-led smes with disabilities Akwa Ibom moves to boost small businesses through tourism SMEDAN begins ₦5 billion grant disbursement to support student entrepreneurs China cautions that global trade war will impact African SMEs, investment "Easter reminds us that new beginnings are possible. This is a season to reflect on our business goals and find fresh ways to create value, support each other, and drive sustainable growth," he said. Dr. Obegolu, who also leads the Organised Private Sector in the FCT, reaffirmed ACCI's commitment to strengthening private enterprise through strategic collaboration, advocacy, and initiatives that boost SME competitiveness and investment attraction. He urged business owners to see the holiday as an opportunity to refocus, explore new opportunities, and play a role in building an inclusive economy where small and growing businesses can thrive.

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