The Global Impact Business Community (GIBC), in collaboration with Trade Lenda, has opened applications for the 2025 Impact Conference, alongside the launch of a N15 billion SME Growth Fund to support small and medium enterprises across Nigeria.
The conference, scheduled to take place in Lagos from 28 to 30 November 2025, is positioned as a national platform to drive enterprise development, inclusion, and innovation within Nigeria’s private sector.
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Focus on inclusive enterprise growth
According to the organisers, the initiative is not limited to financial support but seeks to promote broad-based participation in the economy. Through the N15 billion fund, GIBC and Trade Lenda plan to reach 10,000 SMEs nationwide, with a particular focus on women- and youth-led businesses.
They added that the platform is open to all entrepreneurs with credible business ideas, regardless of whether their ventures are registered. The aim, they said, is to support growth-oriented enterprises with practical solutions to local and national challenges.
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Building capacity beyond finance
At the centre of the Impact Conference and Growth Fund is a plan to strengthen enterprise capacity. In addition to funding, selected participants will receive training in financial literacy, business management, and access to mentorship from experienced professionals, investors, and technical experts.
The organisers explained that these elements are intended to enhance business management, promote financial discipline, and connect entrepreneurs with market opportunities. This approach, they said, will help ensure that businesses not only access capital but are able to operate sustainably.
In a joint statement, GIBC and Trade Lenda said, “This initiative goes beyond financing—it is about enabling sustainable, inclusive growth by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive.”
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Application process and eligibility
The organisers stated that the Growth Fund and conference are open to a wide range of businesses, including micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises in retail, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Innovative startups with scalable models are also eligible to apply.
Entrepreneurs with clear, pitch-ready ideas are encouraged to participate. The selection process will focus on innovation, business clarity, and the potential for job creation and community impact.
Applicants can register through the Trade Lenda App, available on both Android and iOS, or via the company’s web portal. After registration, candidates are required to complete and submit the official application form online and provide the necessary documents for verification. The call for applications will close on Friday, 7 November 2025.
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2025 impact conference
The 2025 Impact Conference will bring together policymakers, investors, business owners, and development partners to discuss strategies for enterprise resilience and economic transformation.
The event will include keynote addresses, panel discussions, and live pitch sessions where selected entrepreneurs will present their ideas to potential investors and partners.
Registration for the conference is now open on the official GIBC website.
Strengthening Nigeria’s enterprise ecosystem
With the launch of the SME Growth Fund and the 2025 Impact Conference, GIBC and Trade Lenda reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The organisers said the initiative seeks to expand access to finance, knowledge, and market opportunities, helping small businesses grow and contribute to sustainable economic development across the country.
