In a remarkable endeavor to foster entrepreneurship and innovation within its boundaries, Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has taken a dynamic step by sponsoring ten visionary entrepreneurs on enriching international business tours and training, facilitated through the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA).
The selection process for these entrepreneurial trailblazers was rigorous, with a comprehensive state-wide screening undertaken to identify the ten most innovative businesses and ideas poised for growth. The chosen entrepreneurs stand as a testament to the vibrant spirit of innovation thriving within Ondo State.
Mr. Summy Smart-Francis, the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Entrepreneurship, elaborated on this groundbreaking initiative. He unveiled that beyond the invaluable international exposure, the beneficiaries were provided with a comprehensive array of resources. These included business grants, tailored business support packages, mentorship, rigorous training, and an all-inclusive international business tour to Kenya and Rwanda.
This multi-faceted approach serves as more than just a developmental endeavor; it is a concerted effort to shape a new generation of resilient entrepreneurs. Moreover, this initiative is contributing to the creation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem that propels Ondo State onto the global stage, attracting attention and opportunities from far beyond its borders.
Summy Smart-Francis emphasized that the essence of economic growth is not solely confined to financial markets. Instead, the true currency of a flourishing economy lies in the brilliant minds and innovative ideas that bloom within its entrepreneurial community. Ondo State, as evidenced through ONDEA, is embracing this philosophy wholeheartedly.
The state’s landscape boasts a plethora of young, ingenious minds, and ONDEA is poised to harness and channel its potential. With this visionary approach, local challenges will be met with ingenious solutions, and Ondo State’s entrepreneurs will not only compete but thrive on the global stage. The program aims to nurture a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that not only drives economic growth within the state but also propels it as a beacon of innovation in the larger context of the nation and the world.
As Ondo State empowers these entrepreneurs through international exposure, mentorship, and comprehensive support, it’s evident that the state is fostering an ecosystem where innovative ideas flourish, businesses thrive, and the future of entrepreneurship shines bright.
