News Press Release

GET HOLDS GET ACCELERATED AWARDS – 5 STARTUPS RECEIVE EQUITY FREE FUNDING

On December 14, 2024, the Grooming Endowment Trust (GET) celebrated the successful conclusion of its third Accelerated Cohort with a grand award ceremony in Lagos. This milestone reaffirms GET’s commitment to driving entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigeria. The 2024 cohort, under the theme “Building for Growth,” saw 10 promising startups participating in the accelerator program, with 5 finalists awarded ₦10 million each from a ₦55 million equity-free funding pool.

The comprehensive accelerator experience included tailored mentorship, workshops, and masterclasses, empowering founders with essential tools for growth. Additionally, they gained access to GET’s expansive ecosystem and its global network of partners.

The startups in this year’s cohort spanned diverse sectors, including gaming, filmmaking, and mobility. The program’s impact went beyond just financial support. In a continued effort to drive growth, GET has committed to quarterly check-ins for all the winners to track their progress and provide ongoing mentorship. Furthermore, 5 non-finalist startups were each granted ₦2 million to further fuel their development.

Adaobi Okafor, Chairperson of GET, highlighted the crucial role entrepreneurship plays in economic growth:
“We are proud to support startups from a variety of industries. This program is designed to fuel their growth, helping them scale and create jobs, which is central to our mission. Our alumni, such as MyFoodAngel and MySmallChops.ng, have achieved remarkable success, proving the immense potential of Nigerian entrepreneurs.”

As GET continues to foster innovation, this cohort stands as a testament to Nigeria’s thriving startup ecosystem and the importance of collaborative support in driving long-term success.

News Press Release

GROOMING CENTRE PARTNERS WITH WOMEN’S WORLD BANKING TO LAUNCH SMARTBIZ PLATFORM

In June 2024, we partnered with Women’s World Banking (WWB) to launch the SmartBiz platform, a cloud-based solution designed to support micro-women entrepreneurs. This innovative platform offers self-service tools for easy access to loans, repayments, and other non-financial services. The collaboration, which runs through November 2025, aims to drive business growth, increase revenue for women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), and create jobs. The partnership underscores our commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, reducing loan processing times, and empowering women entrepreneurs with the resources to scale their businesses. Staff participation and support are crucial to the success of this initiative, marking a significant step in our mission to foster economic growth and social development.

Business News Press Release

GROOMING, GIZ-NG COLLABORATE TO LAUNCH AGRI-FINANCIAL INCLUSION PRODUCT FOR 10,000 FARMERS & AGRO-BUSINESSES

 In August, 2024, Grooming Centre, in collaboration with GIZ Nigeria, launched the Grooming Agricultural Loan (GAL), to support farmers and agro-businesses in 14 states of Nigeria. The pilot programme aims to disburse 10,000 loans by December 2026 to enhance financial inclusion and foster growth in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

Speaking at the product launch in Lagos, Mr. Alex Enyinnah, Grooming’s Executive Director Programmes said: “We are very pleased to launch this product at a time when Nigeria’s food security has taken centre stage in the national discourse more than ever before. GAL will address the working capital needs of farmers in crop production, animal husbandry and agro-enterprises and will contribute to improving Nigeria’s food security, employment and economic growth while expanding Grooming’s outreach to underserved areas.”

This initiative reaffirms Grooming Centre’s commitment to empowering the economically active and supporting Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

News Press Release

DR. GODWIN NWABUNKA MADE “THE GUARDIAN’S top 50 MOST INSPIRING AND DEFINITIVE CEO’s in 2023

Dr. Godwin Nwabunka made “The Guardian’s Top 50 Most Inspiring and Definitive CEO’s in 2023”. In an exclusive interview with The Guardian Newspaper, the CEO of Grooming Centre shared insights into the Centre’s journey, the impact on communities across Nigeria and the vision for the future. During the interview, the CEO highlighted the Centre’s evolution from its inception to becoming a leading player in financial inclusion and community development. He emphasized the Centre’s commitment to empowering individuals and fostering sustainable growth, citing initiatives such as microfinance services, corporate social responsibility programs, and partnerships with international organizations. The CEO also discussed the challenges faced by the Centre, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the Centre adapted by leveraging digital resources for seamless operations. He emphasized the importance of digitalizing processes to enhance efficiency and serve clients better, reflecting the Centre’s dedication to innovation and client-centric approaches. Discussions also revolved around the CEO’s extensive experience, drawn from previous roles in multilateral agencies like UNDP and UNICEF. His insights into client-centric approaches and strategic partnerships underscored the Centre’s ethos of prioritizing the welfare of its clients and staff and leveraging collaborations for impactful outcomes. Overall, the interview with The Guardian Newspaper provided a platform to showcase the Centre’s achievements, aspirations, and ongoing efforts to drive socioeconomic progress in Nigeria. Through transparent dialogue and shared insights, he reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to empowering communities and transforming lives across the nation.