Etisalat gives 10 SMEs N20m to boost business

Ten out of the fifty Small and Medium Scale businesses that emerged as winners of the 2013 edition of the Etisalat Easybusiness Millionaires Hunt have been given N20m to boost their businesses.

These 10 entrepreneurs adjudged to have exceptional business ideas won N2m each to help them actualise their plans as well as a six-month mentorship from the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University to guide them in the course of business.

The top 10 lucky winners who were presented the cheque at a riveting climax of the teclo’s Easybusiness Millionaires Hunt initiative at a grand event held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos are Bosede Olanihun, Oluwayomi Ojo, Abdulazeez Ibrahim, Idongesit Umoh, Muhammad Salisu Abdullahi, Nwachinemere Emeka, Eberenna Nwanjoku, Opeyemi Ajayi, Joseph Eze, and Adesuwa Ojumola.

Speaking at the event, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, said Etisalat is passionate at empowering SMEs.

This he disclosed is why the company remains committed to the long-term development of growing businesses in Nigeria.

He said, “Etisalat remains committed to investments in small and growing businesses in Nigeria because the country has a lot of young people joining the workforce every year and we at Etisalat believe that by helping to empower SMEs, the generation of more job opportunities can easily be achieved. It is important to us at Etisalat that we do a good job but more than that, we aspire to see our customers do a good job while using our services as well. We aim to help these companies grow just like we have grown over the last five years.”

Meanwhile, the Director, Business Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada, explained that the inspiration behind the Etisalat Easybusiness Millionaires Hunt is to inspire and empower small business owners and help them grow.

According to him, Etisalat is aware that there is always a though time for every business that starts small but with adequate financial and mentorship supports their potentials of becoming big can be achieved.