SMEs account for the majority of businesses worldwide and are important contributors to job creation and global economic development.

They represent about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. Formal SMEs contribute up to 40% of national income (GDP) in emerging economies. These numbers are significantly higher when informal SMEs are included.

However, access to finance is a key constraint to SME growth, it is the second most cited obstacle facing SMEs to grow their businesses in emerging markets and developing countries. According to a recent World Bank report.

Most businesses need startup capital to start, working capital to operate and be in business; and growth capital to scale and expand.

Financiers and investors say there is money to give, but the issues from the MSMEs side are numerous, ranging from lack of knowledge, poor documentation, lack of collateral, lack of credit history, and poor governance structure; amongst others.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the School of Grant Success (SGS) as a solution in this regard and to contribute to enterprise and economic development in Nigeria and beyond.

School of Grant Success (SGS), is Africa’s premier and pioneer school of proposals and grant writing. Launched in 2023, and with more than 10 years of experience and results in the development and SME finance space in Nigeria, our mission is to train and support 1,000,000 MSMEs, youths and organizations to apply for contracts and grants across Africa in the next 10 years (2024 -2034).

At SGS, our consultants and faculties are grounded and full circle in SME and Startup investment and finance matters in Africa, with enviable successes in helping businesses and organizations raise debt financing, equity, and grant funding said Mr. Edward Esene, the founder and lead faculty of School of Grant Success.

The school recognizes the critical role funding plays in the success of startups and small businesses and is committed to providing a comprehensive educational experience.

With a focus on practical, real-world applications, the School of Grant Success aims to bridge the knowledge gap in the dynamic landscape of business finance and funding.

Led by industry experts with a proven track record in funding and entrepreneurship, School of Grant Success provides a dynamic learning environment that encourages hands-on experience and collaboration.

The school’s commitment to staying abreast of industry trends ensures that students receive the most up-to-date and relevant information.

The courses at School of Grant Success are open to individuals at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from budding startups to seasoned business owners seeking to improve their proposal writing and funding-raising skills:

Courses in the School:

• Grant Writing Course (SGS/GWC 100)
• Grant Writing Advance (SGS/GWA 200)
• Proposal Writing Course (SGS/PWC 100)
• Presentation Skills Course (SGS/PSC 100)
• Report Writing Course (SGS/RWC 100)
• Monitoring & Evaluation Course (SGS/MEC 100)
• Impact Assessment Course (SGS/IAC 100)
• Grant Disbursement & Management (SGS/GDM/ 100)

The school’s flexible schedules and online learning options make this invaluable education accessible to a global audience.

“Our mission at SGS is to help more businesses and organizations scale the access to funds barrier with grants as a viable alternative.

With this new knowledge and skills, young folks can get employment as grant writers/managers, or work as freelance consultants, while business owners can use it to attract funds for their venture” said Esther Odemwingie-Disu, Community Manager at SGS.

Applications for the training program are now open, and interested individuals are encouraged to secure their spot in this transformative learning experience.

There are case studies, assessments, assignments, final exams, and certificates of competence for participants. SGS runs 4-cohorts every year [February, May, August and November].

For more information on School of Grant Success, please visit our social media handles @schoolofgrantsuccess, call: +2347045108885 or contact schoolofgrantsuccess[at]gmail.com