One of the most inspiring moments at this year’s National MSME Conference was the Pitch Competition. It offered a powerful platform that highlighted the innovation, resilience, and brilliance of small business owners across Nigeria. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the passion in the room was impossible to ignore.
This year, the competition drew over 700 applicants. Yet, after a careful review, only 10 exceptional finalists reached the main stage. Each finalist arrived with bold ideas, creative solutions, and businesses capable of shaping Nigeria’s economic future. Their stories showed courage, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in their dreams.
As the pitches progressed, the judges and audience witnessed remarkable clarity and strong determination. Each entrepreneur delivered a compelling case for growth, and each presentation carried a unique vision for impact. Therefore, choosing the winners became a challenging task.
After several outstanding pitches, five entrepreneurs emerged victorious. They received a combined prize of ₦20 million to support and scale their businesses.
The winners are:
- ₦10 million grand prize – @zannytecture
- ₦5 million second-place prize – @abssparkles
- ₦3 million third-place prize – @bacheatsafrica
- ₦1 million each – @mercysweet_foods and @helenz_footwear
These entrepreneurs demonstrated exceptional creativity. They also showed impressive commitment and the capacity to deliver real value. Their success reflects the strength of Nigeria’s small business community and the promise it holds for national development.
This initiative reinforces our dedication to expanding and elevating MSMEs. It also proves that small businesses remain the true backbone of the Nigerian economy. When they grow, communities grow. When they innovate, the country moves forward.
A huge congratulations goes to all the winners. We also celebrate every entrepreneur who applied, pitched, and dared to dream. Your courage inspires the entire ecosystem. More importantly, your ideas show that the future of Nigerian MSMEs is bright, bold, and full of possibility.
