FATE Foundation has successfully concluded the Aspiring Entrepreneurs Programme (AEP) Futuremakers Edition, sponsored by Standard Chartered Foundation (SBF) and supported by Youth Business International (YBI). This initiative, part of the broader Futuremakers by Standard Chartered program, aims to tackle inequality and promote economic inclusion for young people in underserved communities, including those with disabilities.
Program Overview
Futuremakers by Standard Chartered is Standard Chartered Bank’s global initiative focused on reducing inequality and enhancing economic opportunities for youth and individuals with disabilities. This program is designed to equip young people with the skills and resources necessary to secure jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, thereby bridging the economic inequality gap.
Key Components of the AEP Futuremakers Project
- Target Audience:
– Underserved Tertiary Institution Students: Especially those in their penultimate or final year.
– Persons with Disabilities (PWD): With a focus on young people and female-led businesses.
- Objectives:
– To build the capacity of young entrepreneurs to drive economic growth.
– To foster job creation within underserved communities.
Collaboration and Support
The project is a result of a strategic partnership between FATE Foundation and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), implemented in 2021. This collaboration is supported by Youth Business International (YBI).
Leadership Remarks
Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of FATE Foundation, expressed her delight at the successful completion of the project. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovative entrepreneurship in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Adeyemi reiterated FATE Foundation’s commitment to shaping the future of entrepreneurship 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 aims to raise awareness about the bank’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion strategy, focusing on small and women-owned businesses. Adu also underscored the bank’s strategic support for aspiring entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities, through various **Futuremakers Community Impact initiatives**.
Impact and Future Prospects
The successful completion of the AEP Futuremakers project marks a significant milestone in empowering young entrepreneurs and fostering economic inclusion in Nigeria. The initiative has provided participants with the necessary skills and resources to drive economic growth and job creation, aligning with the broader goals of promoting education, employability, and entrepreneurship among underserved populations.
This project highlights the power of collaboration between corporate entities and non-profit organizations in creating sustainable economic opportunities and reducing inequalities. FATE Foundation, with the support of Standard Chartered Foundation and Youth Business International, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria.
For more information on the initiatives and opportunities provided by FATE Foundation and the Futuremakers program, visit their respective websites or contact their offices directly.