Welcome to The Caladium SME Community

52% of Nigerian SMEs identify access to affordable financing as their biggest challenge. Yet, over 60% still rely solely on personal savings to survive. Where are the banks?

Our mission

Enhancing Business Management for Sustainable Growth

We are committed to strengthening the business management capabilities of MSMEs, increasing their chances of success in alignment with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and reducing their risks of failure. Through our support, we aim to foster sustainable economic growth, encourage innovation, and create decent employment opportunities for all.

Determination

We are driven by an unwavering determination to help MSMEs overcome challenges and grow sustainably. Our mission is to foster a mindset of perseverance, where setbacks are seen as opportunities to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward toward success.

Collaborative

At Caladium SME Community, we believe in the power of collaboration. We know that great ideas are born when diverse minds come together, share their knowledge, and work toward common goals. By fostering partnerships, we enable businesses to innovate and thrive.

Opportunities

We actively seek and create opportunities for MSMEs to grow, improve, and succeed. By helping businesses recognize and seize opportunities, we contribute to their long-term success and economic impact, driving positive change in line with SDG 8—promoting decent work and sustainable economic growth.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of our mission. We support and nurture passionate, creative, and resilient entrepreneurs who are ready to take bold steps. We empower them with the resources, knowledge, and guidance needed to turn their visions into reality and create lasting value for their communities.

Strategic Partner Testimonial

Wale Adegoke

"Our collaboration with the Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp gave Nimbus Media direct access to a high-caliber group of SME founders and business decision-makers who were actively investing in growth and visibility. The quality of conversations we had both during structured sessions and curated networking meant we were engaging prospects with clear intent, defined budgets, and immediate needs. That level of access translated quickly into a measurable pipeline for us, with multiple qualified opportunities emerging directly from the Bootcamp."

Wale Adegoke

CEO, Nimbus Media Ltd

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Meet Caladium SME Partners

Our commitment to small businesses in Nigeria strengthens the growth of MSMEs through capacity-building initiatives that improve lives and drive sustainable success. We work alongside entrepreneurs and business leaders to create meaningful impact and foster a thriving local economy.

Become a partner

Our community

We are deeply committed to small businesses in Nigeria, ensuring the growth of MSMEs through capacity-building initiatives that enhance lives and foster long-term success. Together, we create a supportive ecosystem where businesses can thrive and contribute to the broader community.

Join our community
event attendees

Meet Our Distinguished Speakers

Learn from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs

Ayo Bankole Akintujoye

Founder and Lead Strategist, Caladium Consulting

Ayo Bankole Akintujoye is a strategy and business transformation professional, entrepreneur and SME development advocate... Ayo Bankole Akintujoye is a Nigerian business strategist, entrepreneur, and Founder and Lead Strategist of Caladium Consulting, established in 2010. With experience spanning management consulting, financial services, capital markets, insurance, and oil and gas, he helps organisations solve complex business challenges, identify growth opportunities, and achieve sustainable results. His professional experience includes leading consulting firms such as KPMG, PwC, Phillips Consulting, and C2G Consulting. Passionate about strengthening African businesses, Ayo founded the Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp and champions entrepreneurship through the Caladium SME Community and Caladium Strategy Skills Academy. He is also a co-founder of FedaCash. As a strategist, speaker, and business adviser, he is committed to equipping entrepreneurs and organisations with the knowledge and capabilities to scale, create jobs, and build lasting economic value.

Foyinsola Akinjayeju.jpg

Foyinsola Akinjayeju

Chief Executive Officer, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA)

Foyinsola Akinjayeju is an accomplished business leader with more than two decades of experience in strategy... Foyinsola Akinjayeju is an accomplished business leader with more than two decades of experience in strategy, financial management and operational transformation. A chartered accountant with an MBA from Lagos Business School, she previously held senior leadership roles at PwC and Phillips Consulting. At EFInA, she leads efforts to advance financial inclusion in Nigeria.

Ikechi Onyeneke

Ikechi Onyeneke

Head, Business Development, Enterprise Banking, Stanbic IBTC

Ikechi Onyeneke is the Head of Business Development for Enterprise Banking at Stanbic IBTC, where he.. Ikechi Onyeneke is the Head of Business Development forEnterprise Banking at Stanbic IBTC, where he drives growth initiatives, partnerships, and market expansion for the bank's enterprise segment. He works closely with businesses to identify opportunities, connect them to financial solutions, and support their journey from early growth to scale. Ikechi is focused on building strong relationships that unlock value for both clients and the wider business ecosystem.

Oluwatoyin Onigbanjo

Oluwatoyin Onigbanjo

Founder and CEO, AugustSecrets Limited

Oluwatoyin Onigbanjo is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, nutrition advocate and business coach. She... Oluwatoyin Onigbanjo is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, nutrition advocate and business coach. She founded AugustSecrets, a Nigerian family nutrition company known for Jadens Natural Cereals. Her entrepreneurial journey includes building consumer products, expanding retail distribution and supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals through coaching, consulting and educational initiatives.

“Titi” Oshodi

Titilayo “Titi” Oshodi

Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Climate Change and Circular Economy

Titilayo Oshodi is a strategic leader in sustainability, public policy and climate action. With.. Titilayo Oshodi is a strategic leader in sustainability, public policy and climate action. With more than two decades of experience in marketing, communications and management, she works to advance sustainable development, climate resilience, circular economy initiatives and public-private partnerships. Her work also includes community development and social inclusion.

Godwin Tom

John Oamen

Co-founder and CEO, CutStruct Technology

John Oamen is an entrepreneur working at the intersection of construction, technology and finance. Through CutStruct... John Oamen is an entrepreneur working at the intersection of construction, technology and finance. Through CutStruct, he is addressing inefficiencies in construction procurement and helping developers and contractors access more transparent ways to source building materials. His wider work focuses on construction project finance, capital mobilisation and improving how projects connect with institutional funding.

Feyisayo Alayande

Feyisayo Alayande

Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF)

Feyisayo Alayande is a financial services and business transformation professional with extensive experience... Feyisayo Alayande is a financial services and business transformation professional with extensive experience across banking and inclusive finance. She has worked with HSBC Global Banking & Markets, Royal Bank of Scotland and FBNQuest, and previously led products, digital and marketing at Letshego Nigeria. Her work focuses on expanding access to finance and supporting enterprise development.

Oluwaseun Durojaiye

Co-founder, Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp

Oluwaseun “Slim” Durojaiye is a co-founder of the Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp. Oluwaseun “Slim” Durojaiye is a co-founder of the Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp. His work with the initiative contributes to building a community where entrepreneurs can strengthen their business management capabilities, learn from experienced professionals and access opportunities for business growth.

Suraj Oyewale

Suraj Oyewale (“Sir Jarus”)

CEO, Jarus Group of Companies

Suraj Oyewale is an entrepreneur, business executive and economic commentator known as Sir Jarus. He leads... Suraj Oyewale is an entrepreneur, business executive and economic commentator known as Sir Jarus. He leads businesses spanning real estate, travel and consulting. A first-class Economics graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, he also holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. His work combines entrepreneurship with commentary on careers, business and economic policy.

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Kolawole Osinowo

Group Chief Executive Officer, Izili

Kolawole Osinowo is a business leader focused on expanding access to affordable, reliable energy across Africa. As Group CEO... Kolawole Osinowo is a business leader focused on expanding access to affordable, reliable energy across Africa. As Group CEO of Izili, he leads a social enterprise working to address energy poverty through solar solutions. He holds an MBA from Imperial Business School and has experience scaling operations across multiple African markets.

Sulaiman Pooja Adebayo

Sulaiman Pooja Adebayo

Sports journalist, presenter and media professional

Sulaiman Pooja Adebayo is a Nigerian sports journalist, photojournalist and presenter with experience covering... Sulaiman Pooja Adebayo is a Nigerian sports journalist, photojournalist and presenter with experience covering major international football competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. His work combines sports reporting, photography, storytelling and media presentation. His inclusion in the Bootcamp speaker list should be reconfirmed against the final programme.

Take Your Business to the Next Level

Two ways to put your business in front of Nigeria's largest SME community

Pitch Competition

Pitch for a Share of ₦1 Million in Grants

If your business is ready for its next push, step onto the stage. Apply now for your chance to pitch live before the judges and the whole room.

Apply to Pitch
Trade Fair

Exhibit at the Trade Fair

Put your products where the buyers are. Exhibitors get a dedicated stand in front of over 1,000 SME founders, buyers and investors, with a full day of direct access to Nigeria's largest SME community.

Register to Exhibit

Past events

Few images to delight

Media Features

Watch some of our media features.

Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp Documentary

Join us as we take a look back at the Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp since its inception in 2018. This documentary showcases the transformative impact on our community members, the industries we've influenced, and many more inspiring stories.

By Modok Studios

    Caladium 2024 SME Report

    Ayo Bankole, the convener of the Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp, discussed the highly talked-about Caladium Consulting 2024 Nigerian SME Report.

    By Arise News

      Empowering MSMEs: The Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp Impact

      The Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp is driving business growth by enhancing management skills and minimizing financial risk among MSMEs.

      By Arise News

        Newsletters

        Read our newsletters and stay informed on information in the SME space

        What People Said

        Here's a few of the testimonials we recieved from our attendees and partners from past events

        I am proud of hardworking Nigerians and particularly those thriving to improve our society. I believe that building businesses will help us solve our nation's enormous job challenges. I, therefore, feel very strongly about the importance of SMEs as they provide more than 90% of jobs in most economies. I am therefore proud of you for your tireless efforts to support SMEs.

        Arunma Oteh
        Former Treasurer, World Bank & DG SEC

        It was a privilege for @safebellefoods to participate in the business pitch competition at the #ibadansmebootcamp organized by @ayobankolee and the @lagossmebootcamp team. We are honored to emerge as the first runner up and Safebelle Foods do not take this for granted to be recognized and supported in our small business.

        Alice Adeyeye
        Safebelle Foods

        I was live at #LagosSMEbootCamp where I learnt so much about business and how to scale. I also met with people of value. I never knew @AyoBankole was that funny and thanks for putting this together sir. Coming from Akure down to Lagos was worth it!

        Treasure Ibok
        Partner, Agatha Sickle Cell Foundation

        In the News

        Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp: Business Leaders Chart Path to SME Sustainability in Nigeria

        Business leaders have identified effective distribution channels, resilience, strategies, audacious goals and alignment with the right business network as some of the steps Nigerian SMEs must adopt to be sustainable.

        Proshare
        Nov 12, 2024
        Read Full Article
        Caladium SME bootcamp to boost sectoral growth

        Caladium Consulting Limited has concluded plans to host the seventh edition of its SME bootcamp, aimed at boosting the growth of small businesses in Nigeria. The event, scheduled to hold on October 21, 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, is expected to bring together over 5,000 entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry experts.

        The Guardian
        Oct 16, 2024
        Read Full Article
        Ayo Bankole Akintujoye's Caladium SME Bootcamp Unveils 7.0 Edition

        Caladium Consulting Limited, a leading management consulting firm, has announced the seventh edition of its SME Bootcamp. The event, themed "Scaling New Heights: Strategies for Sustainable Growth in a Digital Age," is set to take place on October 21, 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

        This Day
        Oct 14, 2024
        Read Full Article

        Meet our CLSME Bootcamp 7.0 Sponsors