NYSC members get N4m business grants in Corpreneurship Challenge

At least twelve members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who took part in Unity Bank’s flagship business plan competition, Corpreneurship Challenge, have won cash prizes totaling N4 million.

The winners emerged during the final business pitch in the fourth edition of the contest for NYSC 2020 Batch B corps members, which took place across four NYSC camps in Lagos, Ogun, Edo and Abuja.

The cash prizes included an N200,000 business grant for each of the second runner up, an N300,000 business grant for the first runner up and a star prize of N500,000 for each of the four winners.

The winners in the Abuja camp include Evelyn Esumai, Aisosa Erica and Ozuoka Moses while Akomolade Blessing, Okafor Augustine and Edokpayi Harrison emerged winners in the Benin camp.

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In Lagos, Moses Bolanle, Iran-Ola Oluwosulu and Zainab Muhammed emerged winners to claim the cash prizes.

The initiative attracted massive interest from the corps members, as over 300 applications were received with 40 shortlisted for the pitching session from which the 12 winners emerged.

The contestants’ business plans range from fish production, poultry farming, fashion, piggery to beverages were assessed on originality, marketability, future employability potential of the product and knowledge of the business.

Speaking during the finale, the Group Head, Retail and SME Banking, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Olufunwa Akinmade, said the competition was to encourage more youths with clear entrepreneurial intentions to expand or start profitable ventures.

“The grants are not a loan and we want the money to be directed towards profitable ventures. First, you must learn that making mistakes is part of the business. It is important to constantly think about the challenges you will face.

Put the same energy you all have displayed in preparing for this contest in your businesses as you face your post-service year ahead.

“We started Corpreneurship in 2019, with a launch in Lagos and in three other states which included Edo, Ogun, and Abuja. So, today we have expanded it to four locations, and it has been hugely successful.”

Speaking further, he explained that the Bank will sustain the programme to achieve record impact on job creation.”