Entries Open for Entrepreneurs to Win MTN Foundation N300m Grant

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja and seven states, including Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto and Taraba, have the opportunity to be among the 600 participants to be chosen for N300 million grant from MTN Foundation.

About 6,000 entries would be shortlisted in the seventh phase of the ICT and Business Skills Training organised by MTN Foundation.

According to a statement, the call for applications will run for four weeks, after which 6,000 applicants will be shortlisted for four weeks of blended training (self-paced and instructor-led) and a week of Masterclasses featuring industry experts.

The top 600 participants will receive post-training support and equipment grants worth up to N300 million in total to scale their ventures.

Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 9,384 entrepreneurs across 22 states, and of these, 500 micro business owners have received equipment grants to support their business growth.

The programme was created to develop sustainable businesses and foster youth-led economic growth in Nigeria. It targets individuals running micro businesses less than two years old, with a strong interest in digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

“We believe in the power of Nigeria’s youth to lead innovation and transformation. Through this programme, we are providing access to the right tools, skills and resources to help young entrepreneurs succeed and make an impact in their communities. For us, it’s a commitment to nation-building,” an Executive Director at MTN Foundation, Ms Odunayo Sanya, stated.