By: Keletso Mkhwanazi
The fourth edition of Nomfro Technologies’ Entrepreneurship Empowerment Project (NTEEP) intends to give an additional 500 start-ups an opportunity to join a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. These businesses will be able to network with seasoned businesspeople who will provide valuable guidance and insights in a collaborative environment that supports the success of entrepreneurs.
NTEEP, which was launched in 2020, has so far trained and empowered over 600 businesses across the continent. According to the founder of the project, Oluwadamilola Soyombo, the programme’s main purpose was to provide business owners with the knowledge, skills, and social network they needed to expand their businesses in an ever-changing digital environment.
She said businesses participating in the programme would be provided with free sponsored company websites to assist them in developing and maintaining an online presence, which is a critical component in today’s business environment. “Business owners will be able to receive in-depth entrepreneurship training for a month-long curriculum taught by industry professionals that will cover important elements of entrepreneurship, supporting start-ups in navigating the obstacles of business development, strategy, and management,” she said.
The programme matches participants with experienced mentors in their industry. They provide guidance and support to help start-ups overcome challenges and achieve key milestones. Soyombo said NTEEP provided entrepreneurs with access to innovative technology and tools to ensure they had all they needed to thrive in the digital age and also taught them the importance of technology in business.
Entrepreneurs who are keen to participate in the programme and qualify for funding must either have a business operating in Africa, a start-up that is currently in the planning stages and shows promise for future growth, or be an African living abroad who has an international start-up focusing on African women, youth, or children. She said new businesses could apply by filling out a form and then waiting for the schedule of online sessions to be announced.
Following the training, participants will receive regular information via NTEEP Connect about NTEEP-2024 events, training, and opportunities. Also, the finalists for sponsored websites will be published. The NTEEP team will get in touch with the entrepreneurs directly to discuss their business requirements and conclude onboarding. The deadline is March 14, 2024, and eligible entrepreneurs can apply at www.nteep.org.
