The growth and development of any country’s economy largely depends on the success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Most startups or growing businesses are not given the recognition they deserve but they are the pillar upon which bigger firms thrive. In a bid to support and encourage the efforts made by hard working and vibrant Nigerian entrepreneurs, Connect Nigeria annually presents a list of top 100 fastest growing small businesses in Nigeria. This platform is aimed at selling emerging businesses to the public through the use of the opportunity presented by the tech ecosystem, and equally promoting the economic motive of self-reliance.
Top 100
To achieve the objective of presenting the Nigerian public the list of the top 100 emerging ventures in Nigeria, Connect Nigeria aims to carry out a diligent research across all industries driving the Nigerian economy. Connect Nigeria’s top 100 list will largely focus on startups and growing businesses and also aims to applaud the efforts made by owners of these businesses who are constantly confronted with challenges that are capable of collapsing or harming their enterprise. It is a project that equally forms part of Connect Nigeria’s corporate social responsibility. Thus, it is a platform that presents itself as backbone to startups.
In a world becoming increasingly digitalized, Connect Nigeria will leverage on the opportunity presented through digital channels such as Google search, social media, newsletters and websites owned by Connect Nigeria, to connect with Nigerians and Nigerian businesses. To ensure every sector of the Nigerian economy is part of the program, Connect Nigeria segmented the small and medium enterprises into 29 different categories to get a holistic mix of the various segments. Some of the segments include
- Fashion
- Event Planning and Coordination
- Construction and Home Repair
- Food
- Financial Technology
- Legal
- Manufacturing
- Online Businesses
- Media and Entertainment
Nominations are in progress and the most interesting part of it is that every Nigerian can participate in the selection process by nominating businesses or startup here.
However, for your business to make the cut for 2019, there are certain requirements your venture must meet to be considered eligible for nominations. It is necessary to point out the fact that the major reason one’s business must meet requirements for nomination is owing to the fact that Connect Nigeria wants businesses nominated to be capable of meeting up the global system and mode of operation. The key requirements include
- Innovativeness
- Properly documented business with evidence of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
- Your venture must be scalable
- Quality services rendered
Nominations will close on end on 13th of December 2019.
Part of the numerous goals for this year’s project is to improve on the successes recorded in the 2018 edition. The plan is to engage 1,000,000 Nigerians in the selection process that is hoped to see over 100,000 Nigerian startups nominated.