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.