The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Nigeria and Bluerock Accelerate have launched a new entrepreneurship platform aimed at providing networking and growth opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs. This event, which took place at the inaugural Entrepreneurs Lounge, also featured the Nigeria National Finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC).
Event Highlights
The event served as a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs to connect, share ideas, and seek potential collaborations, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth. Keynote speaker Patricia Ojora, Founder/CEO of Promoprint Ventures Ltd, inspired attendees by sharing her entrepreneurial journey and encouraging them to persevere in their ventures.
EWC Nigeria National Finals
The Nigeria National Finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup highlighted several promising startups:
– Vet Konect (Makurdi): A digital animal health company that uses technology to provide animal care and social protection for livestock farmers and pet owners across Africa via mobile devices.
– EarlyBean (Lagos): A startup that helps children and teens learn smart money skills through hands-on money management, interactive courses, quizzes, and games, offering tools for parents to guide and monitor their children’s financial journey.
– Medplan (Benin City): A startup focused on improving healthcare delivery by leveraging technology to help healthcare providers deliver better care and improve outcomes.
– Mebic Organic (Abeokuta): A provider of chemical-free foods and spices using eco-friendly processes for both household and industrial purposes.
These startups will advance to the “EWC 250,” the next round of the global competition, where they will compete against applicants from 200 countries. Participants in this round will receive virtual training and mentoring tailored to their current stage and growth trajectory, a critical step towards qualifying for the EWC Global Finals.
Future Prospects and Prizes
According to Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of GEN Nigeria, the top 100 global finalists will pitch live for a share of $1 million in cash prizes at the EWC Global Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in Fall 2024. Finalists will also gain automatic entry into the GEN Starters Club, an exclusive community of talented founders worldwide.
Judging Panel
The judges for the national competition included:
– Adeoye Ojuroye, Executive Director & CFO, Providus Bank
– Adetokunbo Ajetunmobi, Managing Director, Capival Investment
– Patricia Ojora, Founder/CEO, Promoprint Ventures Ltd
– Bayo Rotimi, MD/CEO, Quest Advisory Services Limited
The EWC Nigeria National Finals were organized by GEN Nigeria in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University and sponsored by Providus Bank.
About the Entrepreneurship World Cup
Since its launch in 2019, the Entrepreneurship World Cup has attracted 430,000 registrations from 200 countries. It has connected founders with over USD 4 million in cash prizes and an additional USD 266 million worth of free support and services. The Entrepreneurship World Cup is globally hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and Monsha’at.
This new platform by GEN Nigeria and Bluerock Accelerate represents a significant step forward in supporting and empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources and networks needed to succeed and expand their businesses.
