The Global Impact Business Community (GIBC), in partnership with Trade Lenda, has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of its Impact Conference, alongside the launch of a N15 billion SME Growth Fund designed to support small and medium enterprises across Nigeria.
Scheduled to hold from November 28 to 30, 2025, in Lagos, the Impact Conference will serve as both a national convening and a strategic intervention to drive enterprise growth, inclusion, and innovation within Nigeria’s private sector.
According to the organisers, the initiative goes beyond funding; it is a comprehensive empowerment platform aimed at advancing inclusive economic participation. Through the N15 billion fund, GIBC and Trade Lenda plan to reach at least 10,000 SMEs nationwide, with a particular focus on women and youth-led enterprises. However, entrepreneurs across sectors, whether operating registered or unregistered businesses, are encouraged to apply.
At the core of the Impact Conference and Growth Fund is a vision for sustainable enterprise development that extends beyond capital support. Selected beneficiaries will receive capacity building, financial literacy training, and mentorship from business leaders, investors, and technical experts. The organisers explained that these components are designed to strengthen managerial competence, enhance financial discipline, and expand market access, ensuring that funded enterprises are well-equipped to scale sustainably.
In a joint statement, GIBC and Trade Lenda described the initiative as part of their long-standing commitment to enterprise development and inclusive growth. “This initiative goes beyond financing—it is about enabling sustainable, inclusive growth by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive,” the statement read.
The organisers noted that the programme is open to a wide range of businesses, including micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises in sectors such as retail, agriculture, manufacturing, and services, as well as innovative startups with scalable models. Entrepreneurs with clear, pitch-ready ideas are also encouraged to participate. The selection process will prioritise clarity of vision, innovation, job creation potential, and measurable community impact.
Applications are to be completed via the Trade Lenda App (available on Android and iOS) or the company’s web portal. Applicants must fill and submit the official form online, along with relevant documentation for verification and due diligence. The call for applications closes on Friday, November 7, 2025.
The 2025 Impact Conference will bring together thought leaders, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore strategies for enterprise resilience and economic transformation. The event will feature keynote sessions, interactive discussions, and live pitch presentations, giving selected entrepreneurs an opportunity to connect directly with potential financiers and collaborators.
With this initiative, GIBC and Trade Lenda reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by expanding access to finance, knowledge, and opportunity—critical enablers of sustainable economic growth.
