Google announced today that the newly launched Hustle Academy will provide free training to 5,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

Google Hustle Academy is a bootcamp-style training program designed to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in positioning their companies for investment opportunities and developing viable business models for the future.

The Hustle Academy is a hands-on educational program that includes interactive activities and subject matter experts as instructors. It also gives you access to a worldwide network of mentors and alumni.

“The Google Hustle Academy Program is a commendable initiative that will improve business prospects while also having the desired impact at the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.” “I strongly advise business owners and SMEs to participate in this program in order to improve results and growth in the Lagos business ecosystem,” says Teju Abisoye, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.

Business owners will receive 3,000 hours of training on fundamental aspects of business and five days of hands-on training to help them navigate the challenges faced by SMEs in Africa. Among other things, the training curriculum includes strategic growth sessions such as business growth strategy, building digital marketing roadmaps, discovering and evaluating funding routes, and how to pitch for success.

“SMEs are the engines that propel any economy’s growth.” SMEs account for roughly 80% of jobs in Africa and are a significant source of economic growth. It is critical that small businesses have access to the right tools, training, and funding to scale up in order to grow the economy and increase employment. “The Hustle Academy’s mission is to help entrepreneurs navigate the business challenges they face by providing them with the right tools and knowledge,” says Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, Head of Brand and Reputation for Sub-Saharan Africa.

The program is open to businesses that have been in operation for at least a year, have developed a business strategy, defined their product or service offering, and are looking to expand.

In addition, they must have made a profit in the previous 12 months or be within 1-3 months of breaking even.

Google has been providing digital skills training in Africa since 2017, and while there has been measurable success in growing these skills, SMBs require more hands-on assistance. The Hustle Academy’s primary goal is to provide SMBs with the necessary skills, resources, and access to thrive and grow.

“We hope that through the Hustle Academy training this year, we will be able to assist 5,000 SMEs and entrepreneurs across Africa in taking their businesses to the next level and finding ways to scale our efforts to help even more businesses in the future,” Aderemi-Makinde added.

Interested and qualified businesses can apply to join the program at g.co/hustleacademy.