Setting up and managing a business can be quite challenging. Sometimes, entrepreneurs need a little push to achieve their dreams. These pushes can come in the form of youth empowerment programs.

There are several Youth Empowerment Programs in Nigeria, both run by the government and non-profit organizations.

You will learn about them in this post, as well as how you can leverage these programs to build a thriving business.

What Are Youth Empowerment Programs

Youth Empowerment Programs are structured initiatives aimed at equipping young individuals with the essential skills, knowledge, and resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency.

This self-reliance allows them to play a significant role in the growth and development of their communities and the country.

Such programs can be run by governmental bodies or non-profit organizations and fall into several categories, which include:

• Skill acquisition programs
• Entrepreneurship training and mentorship
• Capacity building programs
• Educational support
• Health programs
• Loan programs
• Community projects and social action
• Service-learning programs

In this post, however, our primary focus will be on the empowerment programs that have been specifically designed for business owners or those desiring to set up a new business.

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Youth Empowerment Programs in Nigeria

Currently, there are several empowerment programs available for aspiring entrepreneurs.

These programs aim to educate and provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter and manage a business successfully.

In addition to the valuable education they offer, these programs often provide significant financial support to ensure participants are well-prepared for their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Empowerment programs in Nigeria can be classified into two categories: (a) government-run youth empowerment programs and (b) empowerment programs run by non-profit organizations.

A. Government-Run Youth Empowerment Programs

These programs are initiatives established by the Nigerian government to promote youth empowerment and enhance job creation.

They are as follows:

1. N-Power

The N-Power Programme was set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria to address the challenges of youth unemployment and foster social development.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur aged between 18 and 35, you’re eligible to apply for the N-Power program.

The program welcomes applications from both unemployed individuals with a degree and those without a degree. Therefore, not having a degree should not discourage you from applying.

Regardless of your category, the N-Power empowerment program can significantly boost your entrepreneurial aspirations.

For example, the non-graduate program offers comprehensive skills training designed to enhance participants’ productivity.  The skills you acquire during this training could be instrumental in establishing a profitable business in the future.

Similary, the graduate program is a paid volunteer scheme that lasts for two years.

With prudent saving habits, you could accumulate enough funds to launch your dream business by the end of the program.

2. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a year-long program in Nigeria, designed for university and polytechnic graduates.

Originally, its primary aim was to promote national unity and strengthen inter-ethnic relationships.

However, it also provides a valuable opportunity for graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit. The NYSC program assigns participants to regions different from their home states, where they contribute in various roles.

This unique arrangement allows you to explore and implement fresh business ideas in your assigned area.

Additionally, you can observe and later apply business concepts from your service communities to your home area once your service year concludes.

Consider setting aside a portion of your NYSC monthly allowance to fund the business you plan to establish.

We have curated a list of profitable business ideas for you.

3. The Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund

The Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF) is a government-sponsored initiative designed to offer credit facilities to farmers and agro-allied businesses in Nigeria.

The primary aim of the ACGSF is to empower agricultural entrepreneurs by providing them with access to credit facilities.

This support extends to farmers and other agro-allied businesses throughout Nigeria.

The scheme operates by providing guarantees to banks and other financial institutions that lend to farmers and agricultural businesses.

These guarantees cover up to 75% of the borrowed amount, reducing the risk for lenders and encouraging them to provide the necessary funds.

If you are an agro-allied entrepreneur involved in crop production, livestock production, fisheries, or agro-processing, you have the opportunity to apply for funding through this program.

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B. Empowerment Programs By Non-profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations also play a vital role in Nigeria when it comes to creating youth empowerment programs.

There organizations give back to the society by by providing fundamental business education, fostering the development of personal skills, and creating opportunities for the youth to achieve self-reliance.

Below, you will find a list of empowerment programs provided by non-profit organizations that you, as an entrepreneur, can take advantage of.

1. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is a non-profit organization established by Nigerian entrepreneur Tony O. Elumelu. Its primary objective is to empower African entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth throughout the continent.

Through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, the foundation has successfully trained, mentored, and provided funding for over 15,000 young entrepreneurs across Africa. And guess what? You could be the next one!

By participating in this program, not only do you have the opportunity to secure a $5,000 funding for your business idea, but you also gain access to invaluable benefits such as business mentorship and a supportive community of like-minded individuals.

It’s important to note that the Tony Elumelu Foundation programme is held annually, so if you’re interested, don’t miss out on this chance to apply.

Simply click here to get started on your application journey.

2. Zayed Sustainability Prize

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is a prestigious annual award initiated by the President of the United Arab Emirates to honor and acknowledge outstanding achievements.

This esteemed prize carries a substantial value of US$3 million and is awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organizations, and high schools that are actively spearheading transformative, inventive, and inspiring sustainability solutions.

If you are an entrepreneur with a well-established SME operating in the fields of health, food, energy, or water, you may be eligible to apply for this remarkable opportunity.

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3. Youth Empowering People (YEP)

Youth Empowering People (YEP) is a non-profit organization that provides capacity building and skill acquisition to young people in Nigeria.

The scheme also provides seed funding and entrepreneurship training and has been  instrumental in providing opportunities for young people to gain work experience, develop skills, and become self-reliant.

Conclusion

Youth empowerment programs provide a strong foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs to acquire the essential skills needed before embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

These programs offer a wide range of skills, including financial education, business management, and personal development. Additionally, they provide opportunities to establish meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs who share similar aspirations.

Furthermore, many of these programs also offer seed funding to eligible participants, enabling them to kickstart their businesses once the programs are completed.