As part of its initiative to support youth entrepreneurship, the Amplifier Business Clinic 2024 has awarded an N10 million grant to eight outstanding beneficiaries at the grand finale. Now in its 3rd cohort, the program has culminated in the graduation of **60 emerging entrepreneurs**, with eight finalists receiving special recognition and financial backing.
The 2024 edition, which began on August 17th, was held to commemorate International Youth Day (IYD), under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development. This year’s clinic emphasized the importance of digital innovation in fostering entrepreneurship and driving sustainable development.
From over 400 applicants, 107 entrepreneurs were selected to begin the clinic’s journey with an online training phase that covered critical topics such as Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship DNA, Social Media Strategy, and Business Risk Assessment. Following this phase, 79 participants advanced to in-person sessions, receiving practical training in areas like Leadership Development, Business Planning, Marketing, Financial Management, and Legal Considerations
The program’s highlight was a pitch competition where 29 entrepreneurs presented their business ideas to a panel of judges. The competition concluded with Maryam Atolagbe, founder of Machoice Ltd, winning the top prize of N2.5 million. Eyitayo, founder of Sundry, and Eniola Roberts, founder of Ennie Wears, secured second and third places with N2 million and N1.5 million respectively. The remaining five finalists shared N4 million
The graduation ceremony, held on August 27, 2024, at Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island, was attended by notable figures, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mobolaji Ogunlende, and Permanent Secretary Toyin Osanyin-Tolu. In his speech, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of empowering young entrepreneurs, saying, “Our vision is to uplift young entrepreneurs, leaving no one behind, regardless of their background.”
The Amplifier Business Clinic, executed by Pelse Consulting, focuses on creating sustainable businesses through strategic guidance and financial support. Adeniji Oluwafemi Boboye, Managing Partner of Pelse Consulting, said, “Our goal is to see these businesses thrive locally and globally. We are committed to supporting these entrepreneurs at every step of their journey.”
The program will now move into its mentorship phase, pairing graduates with experienced mentors to further refine their business strategies and foster growth.
The Amplifier Business Clinic exemplifies how strategic training, mentorship, and financial empowerment can drive youth innovation and sustainable development, positioning Lagos State’s youth at the forefront of entrepreneurship in Africa.
