In line with the objectives of the YouWin Connect programme, the Federal Government has assured it will continue to create a conducive atmosphere for investors to fund youth Small and Medium Entrepreneurs.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed gave the assurance in her keynote address at the YouWin! Connect Enterprise Education Book unveiling/Award Ceremony last Thursday in Abuja.
This, the minister said, will facilitate the government’s job creation effort in targeted sectors of the economy.
Already, with three state partnering with the programme in the current model of Franchise Infrastructures Development in Agriculture/Agro-processing, Mrs. Ahmed said the government is thinking of extending it to the non-oil sector especially ICT, construction among others.
“These models are expected to bootstrap budding youth enterpreneurs with what they need to kick-start their own businesses,” she said.
She further said, “YouWin Connect is a subset of our overall strategies towards realizing Mr. President’s promise to take 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years. The activities embedded into promoting entrepreneurship as a viable career option for young Nigerians, will in turn create more jobs and wealth.
“To generate the needed critical mass, spurring entrepreneurship mind-set change amongst the teeeming youthstheough enterprise education and appropriate business development support will remain the core mandate of YouWin! Connect.”
The minister disclosed that the second stage of the programme would focus on online media capacity building targeted at budding youth entrepreneurs.
According to her, the online forum will enable entrepreneurs to network with successful industrial experts coupled with enterpreneurs’ stories and their decision to start a business, business life-cycle, management and social impact.
“This book is a compendium of fascinating stories of some popular brands and the tribe of hardy business persons who built them after conquering insurmountable odds
“The riveting stories of these men and women provides several fascinating glimpses into their thinking at different stages of their personal development and the evolution of their businesses. Their tales of struggles, trials and triumphs will not only resonate loudly with young entrepreneurs across Nigeria but also offer trove for all aspiring and established enterprenueurs,” she added.
Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria Connect (YouWin!Connect), is a youth development programme, established to empower Nigeria Youth. The programme is a Private and Public initiative with the aim of financing outstanding business plan for aspiring entrepreneur Nigerian Youth.
