ENDIP mentors and supports 60 budding entrepreneurs – The Sun Nigeria

In a bid to nurture the next generation of business leaders in Nigeria, the Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (ENDIP) has successfully completed the first phase of its sustainable enterprise challenge initiative, benefiting over 60 young entrepreneurs from the Southeast region.

Funded by the British Council in partnership with King’s Trust International, the initiative aims to develop 10,000 sustainable enterprises capable of generating 30,000 jobs by 2030. The recent four-week programme held in Enugu brought together a diverse group of budding entrepreneurs, including individuals with disabilities, to equip them with essential skills for success in the business world.

One of the highlights of the programme was the inclusive business pitch session, where eight outstanding participants competed for seed funding to kick-start their innovative business ideas. Winners such as Asogwa Patience, Victor Okereke, and Mary Chinedu-Nelson secured N250,000 each, showcasing their talent and creativity to a panel of judges led by Prof Obinna Onodugo.

Executive Director of ENDIP, Lilian Ovio, expressed pride in the participants’ dedication and passion, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to empowering youth through sustainable entrepreneurship. Enugu State Manager of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), Ebere Ijomah, commended the initiative for its role in reducing unemployment and empowering young entrepreneurs.

The success of the sustainable enterprise challenge initiative has paved the way for ENDIP’s second phase project, which aims to further support small and medium-sized enterprises through a mentorship programme. With initiatives like these, ENDIP is leading the way towards a brighter and more prosperous future for aspiring entrepreneurs in the South East of Nigeria.