Bilaad Realty Limited, in a bid to address women’s underrepresentation in entrepreneurship, has spearheaded the GEM HUNT series through Bilaad Development Trust. The initiative is dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for young women in the business world.
The GEM HUNT Series – 2 event, themed “The Future in Perspective,” was successfully held on February 14, 2023, following the full incorporation of Bilaad Development Trust earlier in the year. Another pivotal event, the GEM HUNT Series – 2 tagged “30 Under 30 Women in Business,” convened on October 3, 2023, at the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Centre in Abuja-FCT.
This creative journey was tailored to identify and empower small and medium businesses, particularly those led by women under the age of 30 in Nigeria. The competition spanned across all 36 states of the federation in the state rounds, while the zonal rounds unfolded in six selected states: Lagos, Kano, Bauchi, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Abuja.
GEM HUNT Series 2 showcased a vibrant cohort of determined young female entrepreneurs striving to scale their existing business ideas. The prizes, generously provided by Bilaad Development Trust (BDT), aimed to uplift these budding businesswomen. One standout participant, Dorcas Benjamin, a physically challenged entrepreneur specializing in leather footwear, emphasized, “people with disability should not depend on begging.” She encouraged individuals with physical disabilities to seek opportunities to make meaningful impacts and build capacity.
The event featured 30 contestants, all female entrepreneurs under the age of 30, representing various states and regions across the federation. These entrepreneurs spanned diverse business categories, including Services, Agriculture, Fashion, and Food Processing.
The grand finale witnessed a number of contestants receiving crucial business support in the form of financial contributions. They also secured commitments from established entrepreneurs and administrators for coaching and mentoring. Additionally, some contestants had their products procured on the spot, while others received orders for future deliveries. This event stands as a testament to Bilaad Realty’s commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially for young women.
