The Gbenga Hashim Foundation has disbursed an additional N12.5 million in cash support to small businesses across Kwara state, bringing its total cash empowerment for 2024 in the state to N100 million. This initiative has significantly impacted entrepreneurs and provided a boost to local economies, with support reaching small business owners in all 16 local government areas of Kwara.
The empowerment program has already assisted 1,000 small businesses in the state, providing critical funding that will help owners enhance their operations and improve their livelihoods. The foundation has also extended similar support to entrepreneurs in other states, including Osun, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), demonstrating its commitment to fostering economic self-reliance on a national scale.
During the disbursement ceremony at Sity Inn Hotel in Ilorin, Gbenga Hashim, represented by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, encouraged beneficiaries to wisely utilize the grant. He emphasized that successful use of the funds could lead to larger support in future phases. “If you use this small grant well and show us the result of your engagement, you will qualify for another phase which will be bigger,” he stated.
The initiative has been met with widespread gratitude from beneficiaries, many of whom described the cash support as a vital lifeline for their struggling businesses. This latest disbursement further strengthens the foundation’s role in empowering small businesses and contributing to the broader economic development of Nigeria.
