By Chisom Nwatu
Telecoms giant MTN is offering N68 million in grants and training to small businesses to empower and support young Nigerians to boost their businesses.
The initiative is organised to show the creativity of young and promising entrepreneurs in Nigeria and empower them with funds in a fun and entertaining fashion.
The telecoms giant has in the past rolled out different programmes via its MTN Foundation to support Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs. The latest campaign aims at selecting 100 small businesses and start-ups that would undergo mentorship and training.
However, only 20 businesses will qualify for the grant including old businesses and start-ups.
Adia Sowho, MTN’s chief marketing officer, said in a press briefing in Lagos that the campaign shows that the company has a passion for young people that aligns with people and aims to connect with them.
Sowho said young entrepreneurs in Nigeria between the ages of 18 and 36 do not need to go through the pain of raising funds for their businesses as this is what the company tries to solve with the Blow My Hustle initiative.
According to Sowho, about 20 entrepreneurs would walk away with cash and training worth N68 million to take their businesses to the next level. However, business grants, training and data are available to all entries that reach the final stage.
To apply, the company said applicants should visit the MTN Pulse website to submit a short video of their hustle, and fill in their personal information and using their MTN phone number.
“On the next page select the category that best fits your hustle, and describe your hustle in 200 words. Make sure your write-up drives home why your hustle needs to blow! Upload a 90-second video that would wow the judges and take you to the next level.
“Then click on the verification button to confirm your identity. Confirm availability for the online training session. Read through the Terms and Conditions, click Accept, and submit your application,” MTN said.
