The Pivot Challenge is not your typical training program. It’s a digital transformation movement tailored to Nigeria’s most resilient entrepreneurs, the traders, the manufacturers, and the dreamers. Whether you sell fabrics in Ariaria or manage a furniture workshop in Enugu, they are here to help you grow.
This year, the Pivot Challenge will empower 3,000 MSMEs across Southeastern Nigeria. Over the course of a 7-week hybrid bootcamp combining online sessions with in-person support. You’ll be empowered with the tools to strategically position your business for digital transformation and global visibility.
Who qualifies as a Pivot Challenge?
You qualify if you meet all of these:
- You are Nigerian.
- You are aged 18 to 35.
- You run a scalable, innovative business.
- Your business is incorporated or has a working prototype.
- You seek growth capital and business support.
MSMEs in Southeast Nigeria who are into light manufacturing and trade:
- Textiles and Garments — Clothing, fabrics, and fashion accessories.
- Footwear Production — Shoes, sandals, and related products.
- Furniture Making — Wooden, metal, and upholstered furniture.
- Food Processing — Packaged snacks, beverages, and canned goods.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care — Soaps, lotions, and beauty products.
- Packaging Materials — Cartons, plastic containers, and labeling.
- Household Goods — Kitchenware, home decor, and cleaning products.
- Paper Products — Stationery, notebooks, and packaging paper.
- Electronic Assembly — Simple electronics like household gadgets.
- Plastic Products — Toys, buckets, and storage solutions
- Retail Stores — Selling goods directly to consumers (e.g., supermarkets, clothing shops).
- Wholesale Distributors — Supplying products in bulk to retailers or other businesses.
- Import/Export Businesses — Trading goods across international borders.
- E-commerce Stores — Online platforms selling products to customers (local or global).
- Market Traders — Small-scale vendors in local markets.
- Automobile Dealerships — Trading in new or used cars and vehicle parts.
- Pharmaceutical Distributors — Selling medicines and medical supplies.
- Building Materials Suppliers — Trading in cement, tiles, plumbing materials, etc.
- Agricultural Produce Trading — Buying and selling farm products like grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Consumer Electronics Trading — Phones, gadgets, and accessories sales
Benefits of Program
If you win, you get:
- Share of up to N50 million grant funding.
- Mentorship and Business Support
- Free Subscription to Digital Business Tools
- Media Visibility and Market Access
- Equity Free Funding
Application Deadline: August 18, 2025
How to apply
Follow these steps:
Visit the official Pivot Challenge site.
Submit before the closing date (watch site for timeline).
