Keystone Bank Limited has empowered three Nigerian innovative start-ups with N9million grant in its bid to reduce unemployment and motivate Nigerian entrepreneurs.
According to a statement from the bank, the project in collaboration with Kleos Advisory, was launched in January 2022 under its “Keystone Start-up Advantage” Programme (KSA), a specialized incubator program with offerings to meet the needs of young enterprises.
The retail lender said that the program gave 30 startups and micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) the chance to participate in a three-month investor preparedness program that included both group and one-on-one coaching and mentoring sessions.
“The platform created an opportunity for innovative SMEs and tech start-ups to connect with potential investors, tech thought leaders and hear their success stories first-hand, vis-a-vis the knowledge and skills needed to fast-track their businesses to the next growth phase.
“At the end of the incubator period, three successful participants won N3 million grant each to support their business operations. The winners emerged at a ‘Demo Day’ held on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Keystone Bank’s head office in Lagos. At the event, participants pitched their business ideas to five judges for a chance to win the grant.
“The three successful SMEs/start-ups who won the grant are: XDC Manufacturing – Oluwatobi Oyetimein; Natal Cares – Uche Udekwe and Kahdsole Designs – Chioma Ukpabi,” it said.
The Divisional Head for Retail, SME, and Value Chain, Mr. Anayo Nwosu, expressed his satisfaction during the Demo Day that young Nigerian entrepreneurs were coming up with novel ideas and answers to the nation’s pressing problems.
He continued by saying that because each participant had unique goods and services to offer the market, everyone was a winner.
Nwosu also stated that the bank’s goal for the Keystone Start-up Advantage Program was to have an influence on up to 200 companies annually and up to 1,000 startups over the course of the following five years.
“As you know, capacity building remains key for the growth and development of SMEs, because SMEs in every part of the world are the livewire of the economy.
“That is why as a bank, we shall continue to lend our support towards the growth of the sector,” he said.
Keystone Bank is a technology and service-driven commercial bank providing convenient and reliable solutions to its customers.
