In a bold move set to reshape Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Global Impact Business Community (GIBC), in collaboration with Trade Lenda, has launched a groundbreaking ₦15 billion SME Growth Fund — a lifeline for thousands of small and medium enterprises ready to scale impact, innovation, and inclusion.
The announcement coincides with the opening of applications for the 2025 Impact Conference, slated for November 28–30 in Lagos, a three-day convergence designed not just as a conference, but as a catalyst for enterprise-driven transformation across the country.
A New Vision for Empowerment Beyond Capital
Unlike traditional funding schemes, the GIBC–Trade Lenda initiative reimagines financial support as a holistic ecosystem that nurtures both capital and capability.
The ₦15 billion Growth Fund targets over 10,000 SMEs across Nigeria, placing special emphasis on women- and youth-led ventures — those often sidelined by conventional financing channels. Yet inclusivity remains central: both registered and informal businesses are encouraged to apply, making the opportunity accessible to visionaries at every level of growth.
“This is not just about giving loans,” the organisers explained. “It’s about giving entrepreneurs a fair chance to thrive — by combining funding with mentorship, training, and real access to opportunity.”
Building Enterprises That Endure
At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to sustainability and resilience. Beneficiaries won’t just receive financial backing — they’ll undergo intensive capacity-building sessions, financial literacy training, and hands-on mentorship led by seasoned investors, policy experts, and business strategists.
This structure aims to bridge the crucial gap between funding and long-term survival, equipping business owners to manage growth sustainably, expand market reach, and strengthen operational efficiency.
“Our goal,” GIBC noted, “is to build enterprises that don’t just start strong — but stay strong.”
Redefining Growth Across Sectors
Applications are open to entrepreneurs operating across a broad spectrum of industries — from agriculture, manufacturing, and retail to services, technology, and innovation-led startups.
For selection, emphasis will be placed on originality, scalability, and measurable community impact, as well as a demonstrated potential for job creation and social inclusion. Even early-stage founders with pitch-ready business ideas are encouraged to apply, highlighting the programme’s inclusive spirit and future-focused design.
A Gathering of Visionaries: The 2025 Impact Conference
The Impact Conference will bring together a powerful mix of thought leaders, financiers, policymakers, and innovators — all committed to reimagining the possibilities for African enterprise.
The three-day event will feature keynote addresses, strategy sessions, and live pitch showcases, creating an environment where ideas meet capital and collaboration fuels growth. Selected entrepreneurs will also gain the rare chance to present their innovations directly to potential investors, unlocking doors to both funding and partnerships.
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs can submit their applications through the Trade Lenda App (available on Android and iOS) or via the official Trade Lenda web portal. Applicants are required to fill in the online form, attach relevant documents, and complete all verification steps before the November 7, 2025 deadline.
For inquiries, GIBC and Trade Lenda can be reached via globalimpactbusinesscommunity@gmail.com or support@tradelenda.com. Registration for the conference itself is live on www.gibc.ng.
Driving the Future of Inclusive Growth
With this landmark collaboration, GIBC and Trade Lenda are charting a new course for Nigeria’s business ecosystem — one where access to finance is merged with access to knowledge, networks, and sustainable opportunity.
By empowering entrepreneurs at the grassroots and national levels alike, the initiative sends a powerful message:
The future of Nigeria’s economy lies not just in big corporations, but in small businesses bold enough to make an impact.
