The Lagos SME Bootcamp has empowered more than 700 small business owners during the 8th edition of its annual programme held recently in Lagos. The three-day event focused on major challenges facing small and medium enterprises in Nigeria, including funding gaps, limited intellectual property protection and the struggle for brand visibility in a highly competitive market.
Organisers said the bootcamp was designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their business capacity, improve access to opportunities and learn practical skills that support long-term growth. According to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEs contribute 48 per cent of the country’s GDP and account for 84 per cent of jobs. Despite this impact, many SMEs continue to face difficulties in accessing capital, legal support, technology, and strategic market positioning.
Speaking at the event, the Co-Founder and Convener of the Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp, Ayo Bankole Akintujoye, said the bootcamp has transformed the operations of many small businesses over the years. He noted that hundreds of participants have been able to build more sustainable enterprises through the knowledge, networks and mentorship they gained at the programme. He said the goal of the bootcamp remains to help Nigerian entrepreneurs solve real business challenges while building resilience.
The event featured three plenary sessions, each addressing key SME concerns. The first session focused on legal and financial foundations. Speakers included legal expert Oyinkansola Fawehinmi, investment professional Isah Aruwa, and financial strategist Todimu Ige. They emphasised the importance of proper documentation, financial compliance and intellectual property registration for small businesses. Fawehinmi noted that many business owners create value but fail to protect it.
She said business names, creative content, unique processes and brand assets could be monetised only when they are properly registered and protected. She encouraged entrepreneurs to take intellectual property matters seriously, especially those offering innovative products, creative services or proprietary business methods.
During the second session, Israel-Ayide of Carpe Diem Solutions advised entrepreneurs to leverage stories from their everyday operations. He said authenticity creates trust, which can help convert ordinary viewers into paying customers. According to him, many small businesses often underestimate the power of storytelling in building brand loyalty. He urged SMEs to showcase their human side, highlight their challenges and explain the value they provide to customers.
The Founder’s Spotlight session featured Razaq Ahmed, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cowrywise. Ahmed addressed regulatory challenges, achieving product-market fit, and placing customers at the centre of business innovation. He shared insights on how small businesses can build products that meet real customer needs and how entrepreneurs can adopt technology to scale their operations effectively.
The final session of the event focused on business model evolution and leadership in uncertain times. Speakers included Godwin Tom of Sony Music Publishing Nigeria and Ashley Immanuel of Semicolon. They encouraged participants to build sustainable and scalable ventures while remaining flexible enough to adapt to market shifts. They stressed the importance of strong leadership, sound strategy, and continuous innovation, especially in periods of economic uncertainty.
Aside from the plenary discussions, the bootcamp also featured an exhibition marketplace with more than 75 small businesses showcasing their products and services. This provided networking opportunities and potential partnerships for participants. There was also a pitch competition where three entrepreneurs received grant funding to support their businesses. Organisers said the pitch grants were aimed at encouraging creativity, strengthening early-stage ventures and rewarding promising business ideas.
With its continued success, the Lagos SME Bootcamp remains one of Nigeria’s most impactful capacity-building programmes for small business owners. The organisers said they plan to expand the initiative to reach more entrepreneurs and deepen support across different sectors.
