A non-profit organisation, Mary Ojulari Foundation, has empowered 21 young entrepreneurs with a $105, 000 investment grant to scale their businesses and add value to their communities.

Founder of the foundation, Mary Ojulari, in a statement in Lagos on Thursday, announced the grant at the inaugural edition of Vanguard Fellowship Awards and Networking Cocktail Party, organised by the foundation.

Ms Ojulari noted that the 21 successful entrepreneurs were selected by a panel of judges out of the 50 shortlisted applicants who participated in a two-week intensive ignite bootcamp.

She added that the foundation’s decision to invest in the 21 young entrepreneurs from the vanguard fellowship inaugural edition was in line with its mission to drive grassroots development.

Ms Ojulari stated that it could be achieved by creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive through innovation, collaboration and empowerment.

She said she was inspired to give back through the foundation having been privileged to sponsor 25 remarkable children through primary and secondary schools, as well as universities.

The foundation’s founder stated that her experience relating with young people across the country had given her firsthand knowledge of what they require to be successful.

The beneficiaries who are 18 female and three males include: Jidechukwu Nwabueze (Jelapetra Farms Ltd.), Apelehin Oluwatoyin (Inspire Agro Centre), Olaleye Rofiat Olayinka (Eco Heroes) Hyacinth Orji (QuickWaka). Others are Adetutu Olatunji (Two Event and Catering Services) Temitayo Oluyege (May Coutures), Oyebukola Oyeyemi (Oyecube Farms), Nkechi Gift Uzordima (Mush and Green), Olatunji Oluwafemi (Efem Studios), Chimdiebube Orji (Springsentia).

Others are Opeyemi Kehinde (Supplya), Gracious Obiyan (Ventus TechHub), UmmulKhayr Adeleke-Lawal (Ummi’s Nature), Asogba Sunday (Sunny Gee Shoe and Leather Work) Anne Ogunyomi (LavenderCare), Temitope Kareem (HubPharm Africa), Imam Aisha Omolola (Tripple A Foods and Spices Mix Enterprises) Amaku Nancy Chioma (Chef Nahnah Foods and Confectionery Limited), Oluwabukola Shittu (SHEILA SHITTU) and Anna Odogwu (Smartan House and Non-Profit).

Ms Ojulari revealed that grant funds were donated by some well-meaning corporate organisations and individuals who shared in her vision to make impact and touch lives positively.

She said that the beneficiaries were taken through 10 days of rigorous and transformational training.

According to her, the programmes include entrepreneurial mindset, business models, compliance, branding, strategies and finance management to sales, risk management, leadership and pitch-readiness.

“We mentor young people and women, provide them business advice, funding and we are giving 21 entrepreneurs $5,000 as grant to pursue their venture,” she said.

The statement quoted the President, Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, as urging the beneficiaries to believe in the power of their dreams and pursue their visions with courage to become successful entrepreneurs.

Using his grass to grace story, Mr Maduka advised them to remain focused and shun all forms of distractions that would make them lose sight of their vision.

(NAN)