The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is inviting applications from Nigerian small businesses for its 2026 Zero to 100 Pitch Competition, which offers a combined grant pool of ₦50 million to support business growth and development. The competition, organized as part of the SMEDAN National MSME Conference 2026, will select 30 businesses for the semi-final stage, with 10 advancing to the final pitch. Applications are free and are scheduled to close on 10 October 2026.
How Much Can Businesses Win?
The competition will award grants to three businesses based on their final positions:
- First place: ₦25 million.
- Second place: ₦15 million.
- Third place: ₦10 million.
The grants are intended to support the selected businesses as they pursue their growth plans. Applicants are therefore required to explain how winning the funding would help move their businesses forward.
Unlike conventional business grants that may require applicants to submit proposals without presenting their ventures, the Zero to 100 competition involves a pitching process in which shortlisted businesses will present their businesses before a live audience and judging panel.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is designed for Nigerian small businesses interested in presenting their products, services and growth potential to a judging panel. Applicants should have a registered business and be able to provide their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number, which is a required part of the application.
A SMEDAN Identification Number is also requested, but it is optional. According to the application portal, applicants who have one may receive priority consideration.
The application form requests information about:
- Business name, industry and state of operation.
- Year the business was established.
- CAC registration number and SMEDAN Identification Number, where available.
- Applicant’s name, contact information and position in the business.
- The problem the business addresses and its proposed solution.
- Existing business traction, including revenue, customers, users or growth.
- Business revenue stage and team size.
Applicants should be prepared to explain what their businesses do, the market or problem they address, their progress so far and how additional funding could support their next stage of development. The published application information does not specify a separate age restriction or limit the competition to a particular Nigerian state.
What Are the Application Requirements?
Business owners must prepare several materials before completing their applications.
- CAC registration number: Applicants must provide their business registration number. A SMEDAN Identification Number can also be supplied if available.
- Business pitch deck: A pitch deck must be uploaded in PDF format, with a maximum file size of 10MB.
- Public pitch video: Applicants must record a video lasting between 1 minute 30 seconds and 2 minutes, introducing themselves, their businesses and explaining why their businesses should be selected. The video must be posted publicly on one of the following platforms:
- X
- TikTok
YouTube uploads and private video links are not accepted.
- Social media requirements
Before submitting the video link, applicants must:
- Follow @SmedanGov and @GrowNigerianHQ on the platform used.
- Tag both accounts in the video post.
- Include the hashtags #MSMEConference2026, #SMEDANPitchCompetition and #GrowNigerian.
- Ensure the video is publicly accessible and meets the required duration.
The application also requests an elevator pitch of up to 400 characters, a description of the problem and solution, business traction information and an explanation of how the business would use the prize money.
Supporting materials, including recent financial statements, product screenshots, press coverage and awards, can also be submitted, although these are listed as optional.
How Will the Competition Work?
The selection process will involve three stages after applications close.
Application and shortlisting: SMEDAN will review submissions and select 30 businesses for the next stage. The shortlist is scheduled to be announced on 24 October 2026.
Semi-final: The 30 selected businesses will pitch before a live audience on 9 November 2026, during the second day of the National MSME Conference. Ten businesses will advance to the final.
Final pitch: The 10 finalists will present before the judging panel on 10 November 2026 at the conference’s Plenary Hall. The three winning businesses will receive the announced grants.
The National MSME Conference will hold from 8–10 November 2026 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
How to Apply for the SMEDAN Zero to 100 Pitch Competition
Application is completely free. Business owners do not need to pay an entry or application fee to participate. However, submitting an application does not automatically guarantee selection. Businesses must pass the screening process to progress to the semi-final and final stages.
Interested business owners can access the application portal through the official SMEDAN National MSME Conference website:
https://conference.smedan.gov.ng/register/pitch
Applicants should prepare their business information, CAC registration number, pitch deck and public video before starting the application. The application deadline is 10 October 2026. Business owners should complete their submissions before the closing date rather than wait until the final day.
The competition provides an opportunity for Nigerian small businesses to present their operations, demonstrate their progress and compete for funding that could support their next stage of growth.
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