The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship programme application is open |07 January 2021
The Tony Elumelu Foundation, which celebrated ten years of impact in 2020, is empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropy dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs, opened applications on its TEF Connect digital platform (www.tefconnect.com) as of January 1, 2021.
Once again the TEF is looking for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to apply for a chance to access to the $5,000 USD entrepreneurship grant.
This was announced yesterday by the TEF218 Alumni, TEF Brand Ambassador and TEF Hub Lead for Seychelles, Noussira Daman.
“In view of the pandemic, the grant money would go a long way in helping would be and existing entrepreneurs either start their business or reinforce their existing one,” explained Ms Daman.
This year’s intervention prioritises the economic recovery of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and young African entrepreneurs, following the Covid-19 disruption to economic activities.
To address the unique challenges arising from the pandemic, lift millions out of poverty and create sustainable employment across the continent, the foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme will empower 1,000 young African entrepreneurs, selected from the 2020 cohort. The foundation will also open applications to an additional 2,400 young entrepreneurs in 2021, in collaboration with global partners.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation, which celebrated ten years of impact in 2020, is empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme. Successful applicants receive a world-class business training, mentorship, non-refundable seed capital up to $5,000, and global networking opportunities.
The programme is open to entrepreneurs across Africa, both new startups and existing young businesses, operating in any sector.
The chief executive of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, stated: “The TEF now more than ever is demonstrating our commitment to unleashing the potential of young African entrepreneurs, the key to Africa’s long-term economic transformation. The pandemic has created challenges across the continent, but we know that with the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s tried and tested programme, we can execute the largest Covid-19 economic recovery plan for African SMEs and break the cycle of poverty in Africa.”
The TEF’s $100 million Entrepreneurship Programme, launched in 2015 to empower 10,000 entrepreneurs over 10 years, is now entering its 7th year and has empowered to date over 9,000 young African entrepreneurs from 54 African countries.
Prospective applicants should apply on the digital networking hub for African entrepreneurs, www.tefconnect.com.
Ms Daman is encouraging as many Seychellois to apply and follow the courses.
“People who have applied last year should check their profiles as they are still in the programme. Here the competition is not as extensive as in Africa and the young entrepreneurs have a good chance,” concluded Ms Daman.
Vidya Gappy