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<p>Last week, we reported that tech giant, <a href="https://technext24.com/2023/11/23/googles-awards-n75m-to-15-nigerian-smbs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google awarded N75 million</a> to support 15 standout Nigerian small and medium-sized businesses that had participated in its startup training and funding initiative, the <a href="https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com/the-google-hustle-academy-bootcamp-program-2023-for-young-african-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Hustle Academy</a>.</p> 
<p>The move, which underscores Google’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurial ventures and fostering sustainable growth within the Nigerian business ecosystem, came as 5,300 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Africa celebrated their graduation from the academy in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, Johannesburg and Nairobi simultaneously.</p> 
<p>Google’s Hustle Academy Impact Report revealed impressive outcomes, with 80% of participants reporting revenue growth and a significant increase in access to new funding sources.</p> 
<figure class="wp-block-pullquote">
 <blockquote>
  <p>This year’s graduation solidifies the programme’s success as it has graduated about 10,300 startup founders since its inception.</p>
 </blockquote>
</figure> 
<h4 id="the-selection-process">The selection process</h4> 
<p>In a media chat with representatives of media platforms, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde (Jola), Google’s regional head of brand reputation in Africa explained the process for the selection of the 15 winners of the N75 million Google Hustle Academy fund.</p> 
<p>Read also: <a href="https://technext24.com/2023/09/28/google-launches-%e2%82%a675m-hustle-academy-fund/"><strong>Google to support small businesses in Nigeria with ₦75 Million Hustle Academy Fund</strong></a></p> 
<p>First, she revealed that not all attending SMBs were qualified for graduation. To qualify for graduation, participants must attend a number of sessions and engage in a level of participation.</p> 
<p>“So, the over 5,000 graduating across Africa today are a subset of the total number that has passed through the Google Hustle Academy. So, it is not about the numbers for us. It is about the impact of this training on the small businesses”, she explains.</p> 
<div class="wp-block-image"> 
 <figure class="aligncenter size-large">
  <img width="1024" height="804" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-1024x804.jpg" alt="By Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde - SSA Head of Brand and Reputation, Google" class="wp-image-116984" srcset="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-1024x804.jpg 1024w, https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-300x236.jpg 300w, https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-768x603.jpg 768w, https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-640x502.jpg 640w, https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-380x298.jpg 380w, https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-550x432.jpg 550w, https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-800x628.jpg 800w, https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-1160x911.jpg 1160w, https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-760x597.jpg 760w, https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-1100x864.jpg 1100w, https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde-600x471.jpg 600w, https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mojolaoluwa-aderemi-makinde.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
  <figcaption>
   By Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde – SSA Head of Brand and Reputation, Google
  </figcaption>
 </figure>
</div> 
<p>Speaking on the objective of the programme, Jola mentioned that Google aims to train business owners to be able to make their businesses investors ready. According to her, ” What we set out to do with this programme was to help SMBs to grow and embrace digital transformation as well as transform their businesses and be investor ready.”</p> 
<p>Jola noted that the first and most important criterion to qualify for the fund is to apply for the fund. The application will detail the reason for seeking the funds. Thereafter, the team sorted out applications from SMBs that had participated in the Google Hustle Academy and the rest were disqualified.</p> 
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
 <p>“We had a lot of people apply because they felt it was free money. But not participating in the hustle academy is an automatic disqualification. This is because we know the quality of training that has been given to the graduates of the Hustle Academy and we are comfortable with what they can do with the money”, she explained.</p>
</blockquote> 
<p>After this process, the Google team sorted the applications and shortlisted a hundred for consideration. The 100 shortlisted SMBs were asked to submit video pitches and pitch deck files that detail their plans if given the funds. At the end of the round, 30 applicants were presented to a panel consisting of representatives from Google and its partner organisations to select the eventual winners.</p> 
<h4 id="meet-the-15-google-hustle-academy-fund-beneficiaries"> Meet the 15 Google Hustle Academy fund beneficiaries</h4> 
<p>According to Jola, the panel gave special thoughts to ensuring gender, geographic and industry balance in the final selection. </p> 
<div class="wp-block-image"> 
 <figure class="aligncenter size-full">
  <img width="1600" height="628" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Google-Hustle-Academy.jpg" alt="Meet the 15 beneficiaries of the Google Hustle Academy N75m fund" class="wp-image-222079">
  <figcaption>
   The 2023 Google Hustle Academy graduates from Nigeria…
  </figcaption>
 </figure>
</div> 
<p>“In all of this, we were very careful to cover a number of things because diversity is critical to us at Google. We were very careful to ensure that we had the right gender, industry and geographical representations. This is so that there is a balance and a spread”, she concludes.</p> 
<p>Below is all you need to know about each beneficiary:</p> 
<figure class="wp-block-table">
 <table>
  <tbody>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Busines</strong>s Name</td>
    <td>Founder</td>
    <td>Industry</td>
    <td>Profile</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="http://www.raesclothing.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rae’s Clothing</a></td>
    <td>Ifeoma Augusta Anselem</td>
    <td>Fashion and Apparel</td>
    <td>Rae’s Clothing is a fashion brand dedicated to creating inspirational garments.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.f6s.com/company/wauleyprojectsltd-cegproscheme" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wauley Projects Limited</a></td>
    <td>Femi Bolaji</td>
    <td>Agriculture</td>
    <td>A leading enterprise specializing in the production and processing of poultry meat, with a primary focus on chicken.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pinchanddasheats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pinch N’ Dash</a></td>
    <td>Nafisa Abdulrazaq Sabo</td>
    <td>Food Processing and Packaging</td>
    <td>Pinch N’ Dash artfully combines tradition and innovation in crafting exclusive African tea blends; delivering a unique and flavorful experience in every sip.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Segunfunmi-Ventures-100063544690580/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Segunfunmi foods Nigeria Limited</a></td>
    <td>Funmilola Moronke Agbayewa</td>
    <td>Food Processing and Packaging</td>
    <td>Segunfunmi Foods champions the preparation and sale of natural food, with a specialization in premium granola and hibiscus tea.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://thenutplace.com.ng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nut Place Limited</a></td>
    <td>Chigozie Bashua</td>
    <td>Food Processing and Packaging</td>
    <td>The Nut Place is dedicated to transforming locally grown edible nuts into a range of healthy, gluten-free food products through meticulous processing</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Kita-Farm-100083472875845/?paipv=0&amp;eav=AfbhcVqOjlptud3zOEW2Jg0cqiSEAHGH1sM-w_luO4FYpyrAWPkx0GrfF4gbyacXAFw&amp;_rdr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kita Farm</a></td>
    <td>John Samuel Andefiki</td>
    <td>Agriculture</td>
    <td>Kita Farm engages local farmers in the cultivation and production of padi rice and maize.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/leadwayfamilypoultry/?locale=hy_AM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lead Way Family Poultry</a></td>
    <td>Hussaini Aliyu Baba</td>
    <td>Agriculture</td>
    <td>Lead Way Family Poultry, champions the provision of fresh broiler chickens, eggs, goats, cattle, and sheep while maintaining a balance between quality and affordability.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.akk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A.A.K. Shoes</a></td>
    <td>Aminu Abdulkarim</td>
    <td>Manufacturing and Processing</td>
    <td>A.A.K.SHOES, specializes in the creation of high-quality, sustainable footwear, blending traditional artisan craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Stance Fashion Empire</td>
    <td>Constance Ufuoma Edesiri</td>
    <td>Fashion and Apparel</td>
    <td>Stance Fashion transforms waste fashion items into bespoke and ready-to-wear garments, showcasing a commitment to eco-friendly habits and practices.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Clozetsales</td>
    <td>Chikere Onyinyechi Breakthrough</td>
    <td>Retail</td>
    <td>Clozetsales is a marketplace dedicated to reducing fashion waste while fostering a sustainable and responsible approach to clothing consumption.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Rotela Business Synergy</td>
    <td>Anita Aletor</td>
    <td>Fashion and Apparel</td>
    <td>Rotela Business Synergy specializes in the production &amp; sale of female ready-to-wear clothing crafted from Adire fabrics, and empowering the community through training on Adire fabric production.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Foodlane ventures</td>
    <td>Ojo Femi Christopher</td>
    <td>Agriculture</td>
    <td>Foodlane venture is focused on the processing and packaging of Nigerian flours, spices, and condiments tailored for both local and international markets.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Jelapetra Farms Ltd</td>
    <td>Angela Jidechukwu Nwabueze</td>
    <td>Agriculture</td>
    <td>Jelapetra Farms is an integrated farm that provides a diverse range of fresh vegetables, plantain, and fish, ensuring a reliable source of high-quality produce.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Ennie Wears</td>
    <td>Eniola Robert</td>
    <td>Fashion and Apparel</td>
    <td>Ennie Wears is a fashion venture that offers a unique line of streetwear, empowering individuals to express their individuality through distinctive clothing and designs</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Inyene Agro-processing Factory Ltd</td>
    <td>Blessing Akpan</td>
    <td>Agriculture</td>
    <td>Inyang Agro Processing factory is a paramount player in food processing, delivering products that reflect the commitment to quality.</td>
   </tr>
  </tbody>
 </table>
 <figcaption>
  Table:&nbsp;Profiles of the 15 SMBs that were selected for the N75 million Google Hustle Academy&nbsp;Fund
 </figcaption>
</figure> 
<h4 id="monitoring-and-after-support">Monitoring and after-support</h4> 
<p>Jola told the journalists at the event that Google is prepared to provide the right support and enabling environment for the beneficiaries of the N75 million Google Hustle Academy fund to be accountable and successful.</p> 
<p>According to her, the actualising instrument will be the Google Hustle Academy mentorship structure.</p> 
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
 <p>“We are going to be supporting the beneficiaries of the Google Hustle Academy fund with mentorship to ensure that they bring the vision that they have pitched to life. The mentorship system will also encourage them as they go on the way. We are also building a strong alumni network that will help them learn from their coaches and peers throughout the way”, she concludes.</p>
</blockquote>

Meet the 15 beneficiaries of the Google Hustle Academy N75m fund

Technext.ng

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