To provide free online training for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced the 2022 Hustle Academy Bootcamp in collaboration with Google Nigeria.
The Bootcamp, according to NITDA will promote career skills and improve business operations, thereby helping small businesses to be repositioned and increase their revenue generation.
“In line with our initiative of building the capacity of one million software developers by the end of 2023, we are excited to announce the 2022 Hustle Academy Bootcamp in partnership with Google Nigeria,” said Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, Director General/CEO of NITDA.
Mal. Inuwa noted that the programme would assist small businesses to grow by increasing revenue, positioning for investment, and building sustainable businesses for the future.
Also commenting on the partnership, the Head of Brand Reputation, Google Nigeria, Mr. Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, said, “We are excited to collaborate with NITDA to empower MSMEs to plan their digital marketing strategies, create business growth plans, identify new markets, access funding opportunities and pitch success”.
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector is a backbone for economic growth and a significant provider of employment opportunities in a country. According to the National Bureau for Statistics, SMEs have contributed about 48% to Nigeria’s GDP in the last five years. However, despite this significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy, challenges persist that hinder the growth and development of the sector. These include an inadequate understanding of how to leverage digital tools for business growth, and poor planning and management skills. To address these challenges, NITDA has embarked on several initiatives to upskill and reskill Nigerians across all walks of life in line with the national agenda for a digital economy – the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria (NDEPS).
In furtherance to provide massive employment opportunities through digital skills, NITDA has kick-started an ambitious project to train one million software developers in the country. Therefore, the NITDA-Google Hustle Academy Bootcamp will enable MSMEs to maximize their potential and key into existing opportunities for socio-economic development.
To ensure smooth and successful programme implementation, the following eligibility criteria for entry into the Bootcamp are set out:
- Business Maturity: MSMEs with an existing business plan, with a defined product/service offering and willing to scale up;
- Size of Operations: Businesses that have at least two full-time employees and have been operating for over twelve months; and
- Revenue generated: Businesses that have generated profit in the last 12 months or 1-3 months away from break even.