FATE Foundation has recently concluded the Aspiring Entrepreneurs Programme (AEP) Futuremakers Edition, sponsored by Standard Chartered Foundation (SCF) and backed by Youth Business International (YBI). This initiative, a part of the broader Futuremakers by Standard Chartered program, aims to address inequality and foster economic inclusion for young people in underserved communities, including those with disabilities.
Futuremakers by Standard Chartered is the bank’s global initiative dedicated to reducing inequality and enhancing economic opportunities for youth and individuals with disabilities. The program is tailored to empower young individuals with the skills and resources needed to secure jobs and entrepreneurial ventures, thus bridging the economic gap.
Key Components of the AEP Futuremakers Project
Target Audience:
– Underprivileged Tertiary Institution Students, especially those in their final or penultimate year.
– Persons with Disabilities (PWD), with a particular focus on young individuals and businesses led by women.
Objectives:
– To enhance the capacity of young entrepreneurs to stimulate economic growth.
– To encourage job creation within underserved communities.
Collaboration and Support
The project is the outcome of a strategic partnership between FATE Foundation and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), initiated in 2021. This collaboration receives backing from Youth Business International (YBI).
Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of FATE Foundation, expressed her satisfaction at the successful conclusion of the project. She stressed the importance of collaboration and innovative entrepreneurship in empowering the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs. Adeyemi reaffirmed FATE Foundation’s dedication to shaping the entrepreneurial landscape in the country.
Joke Adu, AGM/Acting Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, highlighted the significance of the SC Pop Up event. This event is aimed at promoting awareness about the bank’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion strategy, with a focus on small and women-owned businesses. Adu also emphasized the bank’s strategic support for aspiring entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities, through various Futuremakers Community Impact initiatives.
The successful completion of the AEP Futuremakers project signifies a significant milestone in empowering young entrepreneurs and promoting economic inclusion in Nigeria. The initiative has equipped participants with the requisite skills and resources to drive economic growth and foster job creation, aligning with broader objectives of promoting education, employability, and entrepreneurship among underserved populations.
This project underscores the efficacy of collaboration between corporate entities and non-profit organizations in creating sustainable economic opportunities and mitigating inequalities. FATE Foundation, with the support of Standard Chartered Foundation and Youth Business International, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.
For further details on the initiatives and opportunities offered by FATE Foundation and the Futuremakers program, please visit their respective websites or reach out to their offices directly.