Applications are open for the SMEDAN Zero to 100 Pitch Competition 2026, where Nigerian small businesses can compete for a share of ₦30 million in grant funding.
The competition is part of the GROW Nigerian National MSME Conference 2026, organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN.
The prize money will be shared among three businesses:
- First place: ₦15 million
- Second place: ₦10 million
- Third place: ₦5 million
Applications opened on October 15, 2026 and will close at 5:00 PM on October 22, 2026.
The competition is free to enter.
What Is the SMEDAN Zero to 100 Pitch Competition?
The Zero to 100 Pitch Competition gives Nigerian businesses an opportunity to present what they do, show evidence of their progress and explain how additional funding can help them grow.
This is not a general grant application where applicants only complete a form.
Every applicant is required to prepare:
- Business information
- CAC registration number
- SMEDAN ID
- Business pitch deck
- Public Instagram pitch video
SMEDAN will review the applications and select 10 businesses for the semifinal stage.
The three final winners will receive the ₦15 million, ₦10 million and ₦5 million grants.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is for Nigerian small businesses that are ready to pitch their operations and growth plans.
To apply, you need:
- A registered business
- CAC registration number
- Valid SMEDAN ID
- Business pitch deck
- Instagram account for the required pitch video
The official application page specifically requires the CAC number and SMEDAN ID before an application can be completed.
This means an unregistered business without a CAC registration number does not meet the current application requirements.
Do You Need a SMEDAN ID?
Yes.
A SMEDAN ID is compulsory for the Zero to 100 Pitch Competition.
Applicants who do not have one must register their business on the SMEDAN portal:
The official competition page states that applicants can save their pitch application and return to complete it after receiving their SMEDAN ID.
How to Get a SMEDAN ID
Go to:
https://portal.smedan.gov.ng/signup
The current registration page asks for:
- First name
- Last name
- Email address
- Password
After creating the account, continue the business onboarding process on the SMEDAN portal.
The portal also includes identity verification using the applicant’s NIN.
Complete the business profile correctly because the SMEDAN ID you receive will be required during the pitch competition application.
What Documents Do You Need?
Prepare the following before starting:
1. CAC Registration Number
Your business must have a valid Corporate Affairs Commission registration number.
Use the same business details that appear in your CAC records.
Do not enter another business name, registration number or owner information that conflicts with your official records.
2. SMEDAN ID
Your valid SMEDAN ID is required.
Applicants without an ID should complete SMEDAN registration before the application deadline.
3. Business Pitch Deck
The pitch deck must be uploaded as a PDF.
The maximum file size is 10MB.
4. Instagram Pitch Video
You must publish a video on Instagram explaining your business.
The video must be:
- At least 1 minute 30 seconds
- Not longer than 2 minutes
- Published on Instagram
- Publicly visible
A private Instagram account or private post will prevent the organizers from viewing the video.
Videos posted only on TikTok, Facebook or YouTube do not meet this requirement. The official rules state that the pitch video must be on Instagram.
5. SMEDAN Certificate
If you already have a SMEDAN certificate, you can attach it.
It is optional.
Accepted formats are:
- JPG
- PNG
Maximum file size is 2MB.
What Should Your Pitch Deck Contain?
Do not treat the pitch deck as another business plan filled with long paragraphs.
The purpose is to help the reviewers understand your business quickly.
A useful pitch deck should contain the following:
Business Introduction
State:
- Business name
- Location
- What the business does
- Main product or service
Keep this short.
The Problem
Explain the specific problem your customers face.
For example, instead of writing:
Nigerians need affordable food.
Explain the exact customer problem your business addresses.
Your Solution
Show how your product or service solves the problem.
If you produce a physical product, include clear photographs.
If you run a service business, explain exactly how customers use the service.
Your Customers
Identify who pays for your product or service.
Examples include:
- Students
- Retailers
- Restaurants
- Farmers
- Schools
- Manufacturers
- Households
- Online shoppers
Do not write that “everybody is my customer.”
Current Business Performance
Show what the business has already achieved.
Use actual figures such as:
- Monthly sales
- Number of customers
- Number of orders
- Production volume
- Number of branches
- Employees
- Repeat customers
Only use figures you can explain if asked during the pitch.
How the Business Makes Money
Explain how customers pay you.
For example:
- Direct product sales
- Subscription
- Commission
- Wholesale supply
- Service fees
- Contract payments
Competition
Identify other businesses serving the same customers.
Explain what makes your own business different.
How You Will Use the Grant
This is one of the most important parts.
Do not simply write:
I will use the money to expand my business.
Give a breakdown.
For example:
- Equipment: ₦4 million
- Raw materials: ₦2 million
- Packaging: ₦1 million
- Distribution: ₦1.5 million
- Technology: ₦1 million
- Staff training: ₦500,000
Your figures should match the amount you are pitching for and the actual needs of the business.
Expected Result
Explain what should change after the investment.
For example:
- Production increases from 500 to 1,500 units monthly
- Five additional workers employed
- Distribution expands into three additional states
- Monthly revenue increases based on additional production capacity
Use figures you can defend.
How to Record the Instagram Pitch Video
The pitch video must last between 90 seconds and two minutes.
You do not need expensive equipment.
A smartphone is enough if:
- The picture is clear
- The environment is well lit
- Your voice is clear
- There is little background noise
The official competition page allows both landscape and vertical video.
A Simple Structure for the Video
You can divide your video into five short parts.
First 20 Seconds: Introduce Yourself
State:
- Your name
- Business name
- What you sell or provide
Example:
My name is Ada Okafor, founder of ABC Foods in Enugu. We process locally grown tomatoes into packaged tomato products for homes and restaurants.
Next 20 Seconds: Explain the Problem
State the customer problem your business solves.
Next 30 Seconds: Explain Your Solution
Show your product or service while explaining how it works.
If possible, show:
- Your shop
- Production facility
- Product
- Equipment
- Customers
- Packaging
Next 20 Seconds: Show Business Progress
Mention real figures.
For example:
We currently supply 30 retailers and produce 2,000 units every month.
Final 20 Seconds: Explain Why You Need the Funding
State what the grant will be used for and what the investment will achieve.
Avoid spending most of the video telling your personal story.
The judges need to understand the business.
Instagram Requirements You Must Follow
Before submitting the video link, make sure you have:
- Followed the required SMEDAN accounts
- Followed GROW NIGERIAN on Instagram
- Tagged @smedangov
- Tagged @grownigerianhq
- Used #MSMEConference2026
- Used #SMEDANPitchCompetition
- Used #GrowNigerian
- Made the post public
These requirements are stated on the official Zero to 100 application page.
Check your post after publishing it.
Open it from another account or browser to make sure the video can be viewed publicly.
How to Apply for SMEDAN Zero to 100 Pitch Competition 2026
Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Get Your CAC Details
Have your correct CAC registration number available.
Step 2: Get Your SMEDAN ID
If you do not already have one, register at:
Step 3: Prepare Your Pitch Deck
Create the presentation and export it as PDF.
Make sure it is below 10MB.
Step 4: Record Your Pitch Video
Keep the video between 1 minute 30 seconds and 2 minutes.
Step 5: Publish the Video on Instagram
Add the required tags and hashtags.
Make the post public.
Step 6: Copy the Instagram Post Link
Open the published video and copy its link.
Step 7: Go to the Application Portal
Visit:
https://conference.smedan.gov.ng/pitch
The official application page is handled through the National MSME Conference website.
Step 8: Complete Your Business Information
Enter the information requested in the form.
Make sure your:
- Business name
- CAC number
- SMEDAN information
- Phone number
are correct.
Step 9: Upload Your Pitch Deck
Upload the PDF version.
Step 10: Add Your Instagram Link
Paste the direct link to your public pitch video.
Step 11: Review Before Submitting
Check everything carefully.
The SMEDAN conference terms state that applications containing incorrect or misleading information can be placed under manual review or declined.
Application Deadline
Applications close:
Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Do not confuse the deadline with midnight.
The official application window closes at 5 PM.
What Happens After You Apply?
The competition has four main stages.
Stage 1: Application Review
Applications submitted between October 15 and October 22 will be reviewed.
Stage 2: Shortlisting
SMEDAN will select 10 businesses for the semifinal stage.
The shortlist is scheduled to be announced on October 26, 2026.
Stage 3: Semifinal
The 10 shortlisted businesses will pitch during the National MSME Conference at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The semifinal takes place on Day 2 of the conference, November 9.
Stage 4: Final
The final takes place on November 10, 2026 in the Plenary Hall.
The finalists will pitch to the judging panel.
The three winners receive:
- ₦15 million
- ₦10 million
- ₦5 million
The official competition page states that the grants will be disbursed on stage.
Important Dates
Applications open: October 15, 2026
Application deadline: October 22, 2026 at 5 PM
Shortlist: October 26, 2026
National MSME Conference: November 8 to 10, 2026
Semifinal: November 9, 2026
Final: November 10, 2026
Venue: Ecobank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos
Is the Application Free?
Yes.
There is no application fee.
The official conference registration page states that entering the Zero to 100 competition is free.
Do not pay anyone to:
- Submit the application
- Secure shortlisting
- Get your business into the semifinal
- Influence the judges
- Release the grant
Submitting an application also does not guarantee selection. SMEDAN’s terms clearly state that the conference team makes the selection.
Common Mistakes That Can Affect Your Application
Using the Wrong SMEDAN ID
Make sure the ID belongs to the business or applicant completing the application.
Uploading the Wrong File Format
Your pitch deck must be PDF and no larger than 10MB.
Posting the Video on the Wrong Platform
The required pitch video must be on Instagram.
Making the Instagram Account Private
The organizers must be able to open the post.
Video Longer Than Two Minutes
Keep it within the required 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Forgetting the Required Tags
Include both:
@smedangov
and
@grownigerianhq
Leaving Out the Hashtags
Include:
#MSMEConference2026
#SMEDANPitchCompetition
#GrowNigerian
Giving Different Figures
Your application, deck and video should tell the same business story.
If you say your monthly sales are ₦2 million in your pitch deck, do not put ₦5 million in your application unless there is a clear reason for the difference.
What Kind of Business Should Apply?
The published application requirements do not restrict the competition to one business sector.
The key requirements published by SMEDAN focus on business registration, SMEDAN ID, the pitch deck and Instagram pitch.
This means eligible Nigerian small businesses should assess their application based on the published requirements rather than assume the competition is only for technology businesses.
The strongest applications will still need to clearly show:
- A real business
- A clear product or service
- Identifiable customers
- Evidence of business activity
- A realistic growth plan
- A clear use for the funding
About the GROW Nigerian National MSME Conference 2026
The competition forms part of the GROW Nigerian National MSME Conference.
The 2026 conference will hold from November 8 to 10 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The theme is:
The Next Frontier for Innovation, Policy and Market Access
The conference covers five areas:
- Finance and capital access
- Markets and export readiness
- Policy and business environment
- Digital adoption and technology
- Workforce solutions
The conference is envisioned by SMEDAN, delivered in partnership with GIZ and hosted by Ecobank. KOICA is listed as a supporter and sponsor of the Zero to 100 pitch competition.
Where to Get Help
Questions about the competition and conference can be sent to:
This contact is published by SMEDAN on the conference website.
Final Application Checklist
Before clicking submit, make sure you have:
- CAC registration number
- Valid SMEDAN ID
- Pitch deck in PDF format under 10MB
- Instagram pitch video between 1 minute 30 seconds and 2 minutes
- Public Instagram post
- @smedangov tag
- @grownigerianhq tag
- #MSMEConference2026
- #SMEDANPitchCompetition
- #GrowNigerian
- Correct phone number
- Correct email
- Application submitted before 5 PM on October 22
The original opportunity information also confirms the ₦30 million total grant pool, application deadline, SMEDAN ID requirement, pitch deck and Instagram video requirements.
Applicants who already have their CAC registration, SMEDAN ID and pitch materials ready should complete the application early rather than wait until the final hours before the portal closes.
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