Over 1000 Nigerian students and entrepreneurs are set to be at the receiving end of financial benefits, as Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) and Heritage Bank establish a pleasing partnership.
Their new partnership, which birthed YESGrant initiative, aims to create more local entrepreneurs and create over 50 000 jobs in the next 5 years of the program circle. According to Moses Siloko Siasia, Chairman of NYPF, the initiative was inspired by the big impact on small businesses on the economy. He also stated that the grant was created to provide incubator support and enable young entrepreneurial postulants with creative ideas in ICT, Agriculture and the creative economy to start or expand their business concepts in those areas. “I have built businesses from the scratch and I understand the challenges people face and that is why I am optimistic that if given the necessary support, young Nigerians will not only grow the Nigerian economy, they will completely revolutionize it,” he adds.
The YESGrant is set to provide business training for up to 600 aspiring young entrepreneurs across all geo-political areas in Nigeria, and aims at encourages enlargement, specialization and derivatives of existing businesses. Entrepreneurs will receive a grant of 2 million Naira annually. Students are also at the benefit, through the YESGrant catering specifically in areas of research and technological/scientific innovation. The scheme aims at helping low income or disadvantaged students studying in Nigeria with five hundred thousand Naira, while students studying in the United Kingdom will receive close to three thousand pounds. Further, Nigerian students studying in the USA are also put in consideration, offering up to five thousand dollar grant annual grant.
The YESGrant is available to Nigerian entrepreneurs and/or students who are between the ages of 18 and 40, are a member of the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum and have an account with Heritage Bank prior to August 2016. Students need to provide their matriculation number and academic progression report. If this program speaks to you, fill out your application here.
