Times Of Swaziland: E74K FUNDING FOR ENTREPRENEURS  TRAINING

E74K FUNDING FOR ENTREPRENEURS  TRAINING
================================================================================
BY ASHMOND NZIMA  on 22/02/2021 21:44:00


MBABANE – Eswatini entrepreneurs stand a chance to benefit from a mentorship
and funding programme targeting African entrepreneurs.
Africa’s leading philanthropy empowering African entrepreneurs Tony Elumelu
Foundation (TEF) is accepting online applications now for its 2021
entrepreneurship programme. According to information shared to this publication,
this year’s intervention includes US$5000 (about E74 036 in yesterday’s
exchange rate) funding, mentoring and training for each selected business. 
Priority is also on the economic recovery of young African entrepreneurs
following the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“To address the unique challenges arising from the pandemic, lift millions out
of poverty and create sustainable employment across the continent, the
Foundation’s entrepreneurship programme will empower over 3 500 young African
entrepreneurs,” reads the correspondence in part.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation, which celebrated 10 years of impact in 2020, is
said to be empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, through the
Programme. Successful applicants receive a world-class business training,
mentorship, non-refundable seed capital of over E74 000 and global networking
opportunities. The programme is open to entrepreneurs across Africa, both new
start-ups and existing young businesses, operating in any sector.
“The Tony Elumelu Foundation now more than ever is demonstrating our
commitment to unleashing the potential of young African entrepreneurs, the key
to Africa’s long-term economic transformation. The pandemic has created
challenges across the continent, but we know that with the Tony Elumelu
Foundation’s tried and tested programme, we can execute the largest COVID-19
economic recovery plan for African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and break
the cycle of poverty in Africa,” CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ifeyinwa
Ugochukwu was quoted saying.
launched
Meanwhile, the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s US$100million (about E1.48 billion in
yesterday’s exchange rate) Entrepreneurship Programme, which was launched in
2015 to empower 10 000 entrepreneurs over 10 years, is now entering its seventh
year and has empowered to date over 9 000 young African entrepreneurs from 54
African countries. Prospective applicants should apply on the digital networking
hub for African entrepreneurs www.TEFConnect.com. The deadline is one the last
day of next month.