ENDIP, British Council train 60 young entrepreneurs

To foster economic growth and create sustainable employment opportunities, Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (ENDIP), a non-governmental organisation, has concluded the first phase of its sustainable enterprise challenge initiative, training and empowering 60 young entrepreneurs from the southeast region.

The initiative is funded by the British Council in partnership with King’s Trust International (formerly Prince’s Trust International, UK), and delivered by ENDIP.  ENDIP’s overarching vision is the development of 10,000 sustainable enterprises capable of generating 30,000 jobs in Nigeria by the year 2030.  The novel initiative marks a significant milestone towards nurturing the next generation of business leaders.

The Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme, a pilot youth-focused, intensive four-week programme held in Enugu brought together a diverse group of budding entrepreneurs, including Persons Living with Disabilities, to equip them with the essential skills needed to succeed in the competitive world of business. Through workshops, training sessions, and hands-on activities, participants sharpened their business acumen, developed vital entrepreneurial skills, and gained practical knowledge on areas such as business planning, pitching, employability and digital literacy.

One of the highlights of the initiative was the inclusive business pitch session where eight outstanding able and disabled participants keenly contested for the coveted award.  The following emerged as winners: Asogwa Ogechi Patience, Victor Chinaza Okereke, Victor Chimdimdu Nwabueze, Ifi Eugenia Njideka, Mary Chisom Chinedu-Nelson, ThankGod Ekenechukwu Onumalobi, Agbike Augustine Okereke and Madukife Cynthia Onyinyechi secured N250,000 seed funding each to kick-start their innovative business ideas. Their exceptional presentations, evaluated by a panel of judges led by Prof Obinna Onodugo from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, showcased the depth of talent and creativity nurtured by the programme.

Executive Director of ENDIP, Lilian Ovio, expressed her pride in the participants’ dedication and passion, emphasizing the organization’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth and combating poverty through sustainable entrepreneurship.

She highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative, not only in enhancing business skills but also instilling a sense of resilience and determination among the young entrepreneurs as she strongly emphasised the significant role of enterprises as sustainable solutions to poverty reduction and wealth creation.

“The programme’s success extended beyond classroom learning, with participants benefiting from industry visits to leading businesses in various sectors, from health and beauty spas to recycling factories and bakeries. These immersive experiences provided invaluable insights into the practicalities of running a successful enterprise, inspiring participants to dream big and strive for excellence in their endeavors”, she stated.

Ebere Ijomah, Enugu State Manager of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), commended the initiative for its role in empowering youth and reducing unemployment. He underscored the importance of equipping young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage their businesses, thereby fostering sustainable growth and economic stability.

Reflecting on their experience, beneficiaries like Victor Okereke, Nwabueze Victor, and Nneka Okonkwo expressed gratitude for the invaluable knowledge gained during the program, highlighting its potential to transform their businesses and drive future success. Nwabueze, vowed to leverage the financial support to expand his business and make a lasting impact in his community.

ENDIP’s second phase project aims to further bolster the sustainability and success of small and medium-sized enterprises through a comprehensive mentorship programme.

Building upon the success of the first phase, which focused on training sessions designed to empower vulnerable women, men, and persons with disabilities in entrepreneurial skills, they are now poised to take the project to the next level as the first phase laid a strong foundation by imparting the essential knowledge and skills, and now they are eager to complement this with personalised guidance and support through mentorship.