A group, SMEAfrica100, has said it empowered 15,206 entrepreneurs this year.

Its founder/Executive Director, Charles Odii, spoke at the Lagos Small Business Summit 2021 on Victoria Island in Lagos.

Showcasing their achievements in the year at the forum with theme: Next frontier of innovation and technology, Odii said the group, in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry, trained 100,000 women and offered a N1million grant to the winner of its grant.

It also trained another 1000 women in digital and business development; mentored over 200 women and unveiled its Queen as part of its activities to commemorate its International Women’s Day. He said innovation was the way to go in these hard times to bring the economy from the woods, adding that necessity is the mother of invention.

Odii said innovation encompasses technology.

“Innovation also speaks to how businesses can navigate difficult terrains and remain profitable, scalable and sustainable,” he added.

Founder/Chairman, Loatsad Promomedia Limited, Oluwaseyi Tinubu, advised the budding entrepreneurs to embrace technology to grow their businesses.

He said the world has realised since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that technology is vital to business growth and development.

He added that technology will help them do better marketing.

To apply for a loan, he urged the participants to have a good proposal, self-confidence and presentation.

A major highlight of the event is the pitch competition for 36 participants.

Damilola Soyombo, founder, Skooq, emerged as the winner of the N1million business grant.