Microsoft has announced it will be awarding NGN3.5 million (US$18,000) each to five Nigerian entrepreneurs through its “Passion to Empire” initiative.
The scheme began at the beginning of this week and runs until March 31, with Microsoft saying it demonstrated the company’s commitment to supporting the development of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
General manager of Microsoft Mobile Devices and Services West Africa Joseph Umunakwe said the initiative would help young entrepreneurs push the boundaries and test the strength of their ideas.
“Running a startup is challenging in any environment, so Microsoft wants to empower entrepreneurs in Nigeria who have great business ideas,” he said.
“Passion to Empire would not be about a cash grant only. The winners will also be mentored by highly successful celebrity entrepreneurs, House of Tara’s Tara Fela-Durotoye, Chocolate City’s Audu Maikori and Jobberman’s Opeyemi Awoyemi.”
To participate, interested entrepreneurs need to buy the Microsoft Lumia 535 Dual SIM or any other Lumia smartphone or tablet, make a video detailing how they plan to grow their business and submit it for consideration online.
