Tolulope Ahmed – Founder, MyFunds
“It’s been busy, but it’s been progressive. My team is growing. This year, we launched our mobile app and web app and signed a brand ambassador partnership, which has helped us push our product to a much larger audience. The TV spot and brand partnership have given us better visibility, and our user base has grown significantly.”
John Ikpeme – Founder, Dash Studios
“Since the program, we have grown our user base to about six to seven countries, with guest users in the US, China, and Russia. We made it to the finals of the UC Berkeley Launch in California and got attention from Microsoft and Google. We also won the Audience Choice Award at the Angels of New York pitch. This exposure has allowed us to raise grants and push our product beyond the African continent.”
Bidemi Olorukooba – Founder, Duketrah Fisheries
“We began looking at other market segments, which has been a game-changer for us. We pivoted to the export market, where there’s been a huge demand for Nigerian food, particularly fish. This shift has significantly improved our figures. Rather than downsizing, we have been employing more people. Leveraging the Internet has been massive for us.”
Grace Darko – Founder, VerdsFood
“Since the program, it’s been an amazing journey. We launched our multipurpose bake mix made from tiger nuts, which has been well received. We expanded our product line, targeted new market segments, and launched an email marketing campaign. Our revenue has grown by 30% post-program. We also got our NAFDAC certification for two out of five product lines, and we are working on accessing high-end clubs to reach premium customers.”
Aminu Hashidu Danjuma – Founder, GetWell Innovations
“The SIA program gave us clarity and focus. After completing it, we secured grants and funding beyond our imagination. We won the National Investment Summit MSME Challenge and used the N2.5 million grant to launch our hybrid model with a physical store and pharmacy. MasterCard Foundation later provided us with $15,000 in funding, enabling us to expand. The program was truly impactful.”
Muhammad Abdullahi – Founder, Queen Amina Medical Integration (Trash 4 Health)
“Immediately after the SIA Foundation program, I was selected to attend the One Young World Summit in Canada. I also secured a $5,000 grant from a Lagos-based program, all thanks to the training and mentorship at SIA. The insights I gained helped me redefine and present my business effectively, leading to these opportunities.”
Michael Osumune – Founder, Moon Innovations
“After the SIA program, we powered a primary health center with solar electricity. We won the Best Innovation and Leaders in Innovation Award from Nigerian Communications Satellite and secured $20,000 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. We are now deploying our solar wireless Internet and circuit surveillance system in Lagos and Edo State. We also partnered with Senpai to offer installment payments for electricity, internet, and security services.”
Abayomi Odole – Founder, Topicaltest Limited
“The SIA Foundry program was a turning point for us. After the pitch session, I completely revamped our business model and website. Within two months, we secured a N1 million grant from the Scale Accelerator Program. We have since expanded our learning management system, increased content, and got accepted into a global competition where I will be in Switzerland for a fellowship.”
