In a country where 80% of small businesses fail within their first five years due to lack of funding, poor structure, and limited market access, Stridevest Limited emerges as a game-changer. Officially launched in Calabar, Cross River State, Stridevest is a Nigerian-based investment and business development company with a bold mission: to empower startups and small businesses with the tools, funding, and mentorship they need to succeed and scale.
At a time when Nigeria boasts over 41 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs), yet only a fraction receive the support needed to grow beyond subsistence, Stridevest is introducing a fresh approach to business empowerment. The company offers a gateway for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses to pitch their ideas and receive strategic backing without the red tape that typically chokes innovation.
“We’re not just investing in businesses—we’re investing in people, in communities, and in long-term value creation,” says Wilson Obidi, CEO of Stridevest Limited.
How It Works
Stridevest operates an open, merit-based application system. Entrepreneurs submit their business ideas or existing ventures for review through an affordable ₦5,000 entry process. Shortlisted candidates undergo a rigorous but supportive selection phase, after
which the most viable ideas are funded, mentored, and guided toward long-term success. Selected businesses are supported in several critical areas:
Business Structuring: Formalizing operations, developing standard processes, and implementing growth frameworks.
Capacity Building: Equipping entrepreneurs with business intelligence, financial literacy, and leadership skills.
Market Access: Connecting businesses to a wide network of customers, partners, and suppliers.
Digital Presence & Branding: Supporting startups with website development, digital marketing, and social media strategies.
Content & Media Exposure: Providing media coverage and YouTube exposure to boost visibility and credibility. Bridging the Funding Gap A major barrier to SME success in Nigeria is access to capital. According to a PwC Nigeria SME Survey, 22% of businesses identify funding as their biggest challenge.
Stridevest is tackling this problem head-on by creating an ecosystem where qualified businesses don’t just receive money—they receive partnership, accountability, and practical support. In addition to individual business support, Stridevest aims to build a community of business people who collaborate, innovate, and rise together. The company is also attracting forward-thinking investors and partners who want to be part of a sustainable economic revolution.
A Vision for the Future
Stridevest’s launch is more than a business move—it’s a response to a national need. With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate hovering around 40% and entrepreneurial potential bursting at the seams, the company is setting the stage for job creation,
economic development, and grassroots innovation.
“We envision a future where a small bakery in Calabar, a tech startup in Yaba, and a fashion brand in Kaduna can all access the same opportunities for growth, visibility, and impact,” says Obidi.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a startup founder, a struggling business owner, or an investor looking to Back the next wave of Nigerian innovation, Stridevest welcomes you to be part of this journey.
For more information, visit www.stridevestltd.com or email info@stridevestltd.com