African fintech leader Paystack has officially rolled out the Small Business Launchpad, an intensive four-week growth accelerator aimed at empowering small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria.
Designed to move beyond standard transaction processing, the initiative offers selected high-potential founders practical tools, executive mentorship, and financial relief to help them scale their operations.
The inaugural cohort scheduled to kick off on August 27 will admit an exclusive group of 50 active Paystack merchants. Selected participants will undergo hands-on guidance focusing on core business pillars: customer acquisition, cash flow management, financial structuring, and operational resilience.
Entrepreneurs admitted into the program will gain direct access to a comprehensive suite of high-impact benefits:
Business Clinics with Industry Leaders: Masterclasses and strategic workshops led by experienced executives and subject-matter experts from top companies, including KPMG, M-KOPA, Bumpa, Pricepally, and Taéillo.
Dedicated Office Hours & Priority Support: One on one sessions tailored to solve business specific challenges, alongside expedited technical and merchant support directly from Paystack.
3 Months of Free Payment Processing: To relieve operational overhead, graduating businesses will enjoy zero transaction fees on sales processed through Paystack for three months, capped at ₦25 million in transaction volume.
Long-Term Ecosystem Access: Early access to new Paystack product features and ongoing membership in an exclusive alumni community.
Speaking on the launch, Jumoke Gbeleyi, Strategy and Operations Leader at Paystack, emphasized the real world utility of the initiative:
“Small business owners are making decisions every day about customers, cash flow, operations, and growth, often with limited time and support. Launchpad gives us a practical way to work more closely with the merchants building on Paystack, connect them with experienced operators, and help them leave with stronger systems, relevant networks, and actions they can apply immediately. We want the programme to be useful from day one, not theoretical.”
Applications are now open to active Paystack merchants operating small and medium enterprises in Nigeria. Selected applicants will be required to commit to the full four week program schedule.
Cohort starts on August 27 with a target audience of Active Nigerian SME merchants on Paystack
