Deadline: 14-Mar-21
The March 8th Initiative is expanding in terms of reach and scope. First, the Entrepreneurship Programme has been re-organized into 4 categories providing more opportunities for young Nigerians between 18 and 35 years old.
The March 8th Initiative is organised to inspire and promote communal, entrepreneurial and public-spirited endeavors within Nigeria in honour of the birthday of His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON. Last year, 100 young entrepreneurs received business-defining grants that helped grow and advance enterprise.
Categories
Small MSME owners are invited to apply across four different categories:
- Category 1- My Big Idea Business Challenge: Do you have a small-scale business that could use some injection for enlarging your inventory, or have an idea that solves a troubling issue in your area? They look forward to reviewing your idea-entry under Category 1 of the 2021 March 8th Entrepreneurship Programme 2020. Your entry should be in the form of an elevator pitch on video that summarises who you are, what you do, what problem you are trying to solve, and how you would solve the problem with the grant, if successful. This video should not exceed 60 seconds.
- Category 2- My Business Support Challenge: Are you a small business looking to expand your current stock, hire staff or acquire basic equipment that would enhance profitability and operational efficiency so you can climb up to the next level of growth? If so, convince them by sending in an abridged business plan in no more than 500 words outlining your ideas, needs, and aspirations.
- Category 3- My Catalyst Support Challenge: Are you an existing small business looking to expand your current scope either product-wise or geographically? Submit a business plan in no more than 750 words sharing your expansion and funding plans.
- My Bold Innovation Challenge: Business must be registered and must have been in existence for at least 2 years. Are you a young entrepreneur with an innovative idea that provides a solution to a common need or promotes sustainability? Does your idea have the potential to positively contribute to people, places, and profit? If so, convince them by sending a competitive business plan pitching your ideas and the supporting rationale in no more than 1,000 words.
Award Information
- My Big Idea Business Challenge: Grant Sum- N100,000;
- My Business Support Challenge: Grant Sum- N 250,000;
- My Catalyst Support Challenge: Grant Sum- N500,000;
- My Bold Innovation Challenge: Grant Sum- N1,000,000.
Eligibility Criteria
Entrants must:
- Reside in Nigeria.
- Be aged between 18 to 35 years.
- Be a registered Nigerian business.
- Only apply to one category. Applying to more than one will lead to disqualification.
For more information, visit https://march8th.ng/index.html#home-section