Paystack, one of Africa’s leading payments technology companies, has launched Small Business Launchpad, a four-week growth programme for active Paystack merchants running small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria.

The first cohort opens on August 27, 2026 and will admit up to 50 selected businesses. Participants will work through practical clinics, expert office hours and direct Paystack support, with sessions focused on the areas small businesses deal with every day – customers, cash flow, operations and growth.

Small Business Launchpad is the latest in a series of Paystack initiatives focused on supporting small businesses beyond payments. In June, the company launched the Paystack Small Business Bundle, giving eligible merchants access to discounted products and services from trusted partners. Launchpad now extends that support into practical learning, expert access, community, and hands-on business guidance for the founders and operators behind those businesses.

Active Paystack merchants in Nigeria running a small or medium-sized business can apply. Paystack will review each submission for eligibility, and selected merchants will need to commit to the full programme and pay a ₦150,000 participation fee. 

The programme includes:

• Business clinics led by experienced operators and subject-matter experts.
• Expert office hours where participants can ask specific questions about their businesses.
• Priority Paystack support for the duration of the programme.
• Three months of free processing after completing the programme, capped at ₦25 million.
• Product benefits and early access opportunities on Paystack.
• A Launchpad community that continues after the four-week programme ends.

Jumoke Gbeleyi, Strategy and Operations leader at Paystack, said: “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.”

The first cohort will cover customer acquisition, financial structure, business systems, and operator-led lessons, with sessions led by founders, senior operators, finance specialists and business leaders with direct experience building and supporting growing businesses. Business clinics contributors include Babajide Duroshola, Managing Director, Nigeria at M-KOPA; Luther Lawoyin, co-Founder of Pricepally; Nana Abu, Senior Manager at KPMG; Kenny Isichei of Bumpa; and Jumoke Dada, Founder of Taéillo.

Small Business Launchpad will focus on Nigeria at launch, with plans to launch additional cohorts in the future.  

Applications for the first cohort are now open. Eligible Paystack merchants can apply here.