Paystack, a payments technology platform used by businesses in Nigeria, has launched Small Business Launchpad, a four-week cohort programme for small and medium-sized merchants on its platform. The first cohort opens August 27, 2026 and will admit up to 50 businesses.
Merchants who are accepted pay a ₦150,000 participation fee and commit to the full four weeks. On completion, participants receive three months of free payment processing on Paystack, capped at ₦25 million. Priority platform support and access to product benefits on Paystack are included throughout the programme.
Sessions run through business clinics led by experienced operators, expert office hours for specific business questions, and a continuing community after the programme ends. The first cohort will cover customer acquisition, financial structure and business systems.
Contributors to the first cohort include Babajide Duroshola, Managing Director for Nigeria at M-KOPA; Luther Lawoyin, co-founder of Pricepally; Nana Abu, Senior Manager at professional services firm KPMG; Kenny Isichei of Bumpa; and Jumoke Dada, founder of Taéillo.
"Small business owners are making decisions every day about customers, cash flow, operations and growth, often with limited time and support," said Jumoke Gbeleyi, Strategy and Operations leader at Paystack. "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."
In June, Paystack launched the Small Business Bundle, which gave eligible merchants access to discounted products and services from partner companies. Launchpad extends that initiative with structured cohort programming and direct expert access.
Small Business Launchpad is currently limited to Nigeria, with plans to run additional cohorts. Applications for the first cohort are open now to active Paystack merchants in the country.
