GEN Nigeria and Bluerock Accelerate have introduced a fresh entrepreneurship platform to facilitate networking and growth opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs. The inaugural Entrepreneurs Lounge also showcased the Nigeria National Finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC).
The event served as a vibrant platform for entrepreneurs to connect, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations, nurturing an atmosphere conducive to innovation and development. Patricia Ojora, Founder/CEO of Promoprint Ventures Ltd, delivered a keynote speech, sharing her entrepreneurial journey and urging attendees to persevere in their ventures.
The Nigeria National Finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup highlighted several promising startups:
- Vet Konect (Makurdi): A digital animal health company providing animal care and social protection for livestock farmers and pet owners across Africa through mobile technology.
- EarlyBean (Lagos): A startup assisting children and teens in learning smart money skills via hands-on money management, interactive courses, quizzes, and games, with tools for parents to guide and monitor their children’s financial journey.
- Medplan (Benin City): Focused on enhancing healthcare delivery by utilizing technology to assist healthcare providers in delivering better care and improving outcomes.
- Mebic Organic (Abeokuta): Offers chemical-free foods and spices using eco-friendly processes for household and industrial purposes.
These startups will progress to the “EWC 250,” competing against applicants from 200 countries in the next round of the global competition. Participants will receive tailored virtual training and mentoring, crucial for qualifying for the EWC Global Finals.
Top 100 global finalists will pitch live for a share of $1 million in cash prizes at the EWC Global Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in Fall 2024. Finalists will also gain automatic entry into the GEN Starters Club, an exclusive community of talented founders worldwide.
The judging panel for the national competition included representatives from Providus Bank, Capival Investment, Promoprint Ventures Ltd, and Quest Advisory Services Limited.
The EWC Nigeria National Finals were organized by GEN Nigeria in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University and sponsored by Providus Bank.
The Entrepreneurship World Cup, since its inception in 2019, has seen significant participation globally, offering substantial cash prizes and support services. It is hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and Monsha’at.
The new platform by GEN Nigeria and Bluerock Accelerate signifies a substantial advancement in supporting and empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary resources and networks for success and business expansion.
