The Lagos SME Bootcamp has empowered over 700 small business owners during the 8th edition of the annual event held recently in Lagos.

The three-day bootcamp focused on challenges facing small and medium enterprises, including funding gaps, intellectual property protection, and building brand visibility in competitive markets.

According to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEs contribute 48 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and provide 84 per cent of jobs, but many struggle with access to capital, legal support, and effective market positioning.

“Today, we are celebrating hundreds of businesses that have transformed their operations and built sustainable enterprises through the knowledge and connections gained here,” said the Co-Founder and Convener of the Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp, Ayo Bankole Akintujoye.

Speakers across three plenary sessions addressed critical SME concerns. The first session focused on legal and financial foundations, with Oyinkansola Fawehinmi, Isah Aruwa, and Todimu Ige stressing the importance of proper documentation and intellectual property registration.

“Too many business owners create value but fail to secure their rights to it. Your brand name, unique processes, and creative content are assets that can be monetised, but only if properly registered and protected,” Fawehinmi said.

Also, Israel-Ayide of Carpe Diem Solutions advised SMEs to leverage authentic stories from their daily operations.

“Every SME has authentic stories to tell; they are just not looking for them. Show the human side of your business, and watch how trust turns strangers into customers,” Israel-Ayide said.

The Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cowrywise, Razaq Ahmed, highlighted regulatory challenges, achieving product-market fit, and placing customers at the centre of innovation during the Founder’s Spotlight session.

The final session addressed business model evolution and leadership in uncertain times. Godwin Tom of Sony Music Publishing Nigeria and Ashley Immanuel of Semicolon encouraged entrepreneurs to build sustainable, scalable businesses while remaining agile amid market changes.

The bootcamp also featured an exhibition marketplace with more than 75 businesses and a pitch competition where three entrepreneurs received grants.