By Asuquo Cletus
In a bid to address the persistent funding challenges faced by Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), StrideVest Limited, a newly established investment firm, has launched an innovative equity-based funding model aimed at empowering entrepreneurs across the country.
Speaking during a media briefing on Saturday in Calabar Cross River State capital, the StrideVest CEO, Wilson Osidi, emphasized the urgent need for alternative financing options in Nigeria’s SME sector. Citing research that shows over 41 million SMEs operate nationwide 40 percent of which struggle primarily due to lack of funding Osidi described the initiative as a timely intervention to bridge the financing gap.
“In a country where you can have a brilliant idea, getting the funds to push that idea is a problem. Many entrepreneurs cannot scale due to lack of access to funds, networks, or mentorship,” he stated.
Unlike traditional loans or grants, StrideVest’s model provides capital in exchange for equity ownership, creating partnerships that foster sustainable growth. “We are not giving out loans or grants we are investing. For us to invest, we must believe in both the business vision and the person behind it,” Osidi said.
The model targets viable SMEs that are typically overlooked by conventional funding institutions ranging from roadside vendors and market traders to small service providers who need capital between ₦50,000 and ₦2 million to scale their operations.
“Many of these small businesses have been operational for years but cannot expand beyond their current level. Our goal is to support them with funding, mentorship, and industry linkages to scale sustainably,” he added.
To ensure long-term growth, StrideVest also supports business formalization by assisting entrepreneurs in registering their businesses, improving financial management, and adopting professional practices.
“Most small businesses in our communities operate informally. Part of our mission is to help them see the professional side of what they do and structure their operations for long-term success,” Osidi explained.
Equity stakes taken by the firm are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs and potential of the business. “Some ventures may require a 5 percent equity share, while others may involve up to 30 percent. It’s all subject to the value we bring and what both parties agree on,” he noted.
StrideVest’s broader mission aligns with national efforts to reduce unemployment by enabling job creation through SME growth. “When you empower one entrepreneur, they go on to employ others, and this ripple effect is how we begin to tackle unemployment in our society,” Osidi said.
The company has adopted a fully digital registration process through its website. To support entrepreneurs in underserved communities, agents have been deployed to local markets to provide assistance and ensure inclusivity.
StrideVest also plans to launch additional empowerment programs and informational campaigns in the coming weeks, including initial direct grants to select businesses.
Backed by a pool of investors and equity contributions from its leadership, the firm aims to create a self-sustaining investment ecosystem. Returns from successful ventures will be reinvested to support other emerging businesses.
StrideVest is positioning itself not merely as a funding body, but as a strategic partner dedicated to helping Nigeria’s entrepreneurs turn promising ideas into thriving, scalable businesses.
