The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has announced a significant initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs in the state. Under the 2026 Amplifier Business Clinic, the government will award N30 million in grants to 10 young innovators. This announcement was made during the Amplifier Business Clinic Pitch Day 2026, which was held in collaboration with Pelse Consulting.

Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, emphasized the program's goal of equipping young people with the necessary skills and support to contribute meaningfully to Lagos's economy. She highlighted that the initiative is designed to transform hobbies into sustainable business ventures. "Sometimes when people start businesses, they start it as a hobby. But here we teach them how to make their hobbies into a money-making venture where the business can contribute to the economic growth of the state," Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

This year’s grant marks an increase from the N20 million awarded to eight beneficiaries in the previous edition of the program. Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the financial support is just one aspect of the initiative. Beneficiaries will also receive mentorship from experienced professionals who will guide them on effectively utilizing the funds to grow their businesses.

The Amplifier Business Clinic received an impressive 1,300 applications, from which 568 candidates were shortlisted following a rigorous selection process that included online assessments and interviews. Ultimately, 250 participants advanced to the virtual training stage, where they were equipped with essential business skills such as financial modeling, cash-flow management, and social media management, among others.

Boboye Adeniji Oluwafemi, Managing Partner of Pelse Consulting, explained that the program addresses the critical gap between having a skill or innovative idea and successfully running a business. He stated, "Having skills or coming up with an innovation is something, but running a business is a different ball game entirely."

The initiative also aims to connect participants with financial institutions. Notably, Zenith Bank has been invited to assist those without business accounts, while the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund will provide information on financing opportunities available to the entrepreneurs.

Among the businesses represented at the event were leather goods, snacks, cosmetics, and various fashion items. Participants shared how the program has transformed their approaches to entrepreneurship. Kumoluyi Oyindamola Abigail, founder of Indawares, noted that the training improved her financial management skills, enabling her to plan for increased production and revenue growth.

Fagbemi Joshua Oluwabori, who runs Fajosh Smart Enterprises, expressed his intention to expand his computer-training services, incorporating advanced applications like Figma and AutoCAD into his offerings.

The overarching aim of the Amplifier Business Clinic is to foster the growth of sustainable and profitable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can create jobs and drive economic development in Lagos State. Boboye concluded by stating that the collaboration seeks to build businesses that are not only viable but also capable of making a substantial impact in the community.