The Lagos State Government has celebrated the graduation of 250 entrepreneurs from its Startright Entrepreneurship Development Program, awarding grants and business support packages aimed at empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and strengthening economic resilience across the state.
The graduation ceremony, held on Friday, brought together entrepreneurs from diverse sectors who underwent comprehensive training designed to enhance business skills, refine business models, and accelerate growth. The programme emphasised practical learning, mentorship, and access to funding, critical ingredients for sustainable business success.
At the event, Lagos State officials and programme partners presented grants and resources to standout participants whose businesses demonstrated strong growth potential and innovation.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, said the Startright initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“We are committed to equipping our entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks they need to succeed. The graduates here today represent the future of business and job creation in our state,” the commissioner said.
Entrepreneurs who received awards expressed gratitude and optimism about the opportunities ahead. For many, the grant support will provide the capital boost needed to scale operations, improve production, and expand market reach.
One beneficiary remarked, “This grant comes at the right time. The training has reshaped the way I run my business, and the funding will help us hire more staff and increase our output.”
The Startright programme, launched earlier this year, targets early‑ and mid‑stage entrepreneurs working across sectors such as tech, retail, agribusiness, fashion, and services. Participants went through tailored modules covering business planning, financial management, marketing strategy, digital adoption, and customer engagement, skills that MSMEs often cite as barriers to growth.
Beyond skill acquisition, the program connected participants with mentors, industry experts, and potential investors, filling an important gap in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial support landscape.
Officials reiterated that Lagos State remains committed to boosting SME competitiveness and fostering economic inclusion. With youth unemployment and under‑employment at high levels, initiatives like Startright aim to promote self‑employment, create jobs, and strengthen local value chains.
As the 250 graduates take their next steps, many expressed confidence that their enhanced business knowledge, combined with the grant support, will translate into sustainable growth and broader economic impact.
