A leading capacity-building and innovation organisation, NerdzFactory Company, has successfully concluded the second phase of the Enhancing the Capabilities of Cluster-Based Support for Improved Resilience and Growth Project.
This initiative, supported by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), targeted Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in seven Nigerian states, equipping them with vital skills and resources for sustainable growth.
The second phase of the project focused on training over 4,000 business owners in cluster groups across Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Kano, Kebbi, Kwara, and Lagos states.
The programme aimed to enhance MSMEs’ resilience by providing hands-on training in business management, financial literacy, and digital tools such as WhatsApp Business and Google Business Profile. These tools are essential for improving business operations and market reach.
A crucial component of the initiative was the direct grant support provided to 12,496 MSMEs, each receiving ₦100,000 to address operational challenges and build resilience.
According to NerdzFactory, 95 per cent of beneficiaries reported improved business management skills, while 31 per cent noted a significant increase in their ability to withstand economic shocks.
The training programme was implemented through collaborations with key government agencies, innovation hubs, and startups.
Some of the notable hubs included the CLEEN Foundation, which supported 66 beneficiaries, and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), which assisted 49.
The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) provided support to 188 businesses, while the MADAFA Women’s Cooperative in Kano State worked with 197 beneficiaries. Project Enable Africa supported 56 businesses, and other hubs across the states collectively assisted 834 MSMEs.
Founding Partner at NerdzFactory, Ademulegun Olowojoba, highlighted the importance of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
“This initiative has reinforced the potential of MSMEs as drivers of economic growth in Nigeria. By addressing their core challenges and equipping them with the tools to thrive, we have laid the foundation for sustainable and inclusive development in local communities,” he stated.
Success stories from the program showcase its impact. In Kwara State, agribusiness owners utilised digital tools to expand their market reach. In Edo State, garment manufacturers developed export strategies to scale their operations internationally. These examples underline the programme’s effectiveness in empowering diverse sectors and promoting innovation.
A UNDP representative, Joyce Oboro, praised the programme’s impact during a recent visit to Bayelsa State.
“This initiative, sponsored by the European Union, aims to mitigate the impact of current socio-economic challenges by empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors,” she noted.
