The Pivot, a non governmental organization has rolled out plans to organize the maiden 2024 Pivot Challenge for young entrepreneurs in the southeast to boost entrepreneurship and economic development of the region.
The organizers said the idea for the programme was to harness the enormous talents, creativity and innovative spirit of the southeast people, particularly youths towards solving the challenges of the region and country at large.
They said the programme would take place in Anambra and would attract young entrepreneurs in the southeast region between the ages of 18 and 35.
Themed “From Ground to Up: Building a Prosperous Future For Southeastern Nigeria,” Participants are expected to apply via the registration portal https//challenge.thepivot.ng/apply between June and July 12, 2024.
Executive Director of The Pivot, Ifedi Eze, told journalists in Awka, Anambra state capital, that the programme is part of the activities of The Pivot aimed at encouraging innovation and supporting organizations who are building enterprises to address societal issues.
According to him, “Pivot challenge was conceived to harness the innovative spirit of our people and channel it towards the sustainability solution that will drive social and economic progress of the southeast region and country at large.
“We are interested in those that want to impact society. The early stage organizations with innovative solutions to social problems but who are struggling with either issues of finance, access to market, access to mentors, and those still trying to find their foot in their areas of trade.”
“Our approach is not just young people but to position as enablers of enablers and people who are desirous of driving change in the society.”
Contributing, 2024 Pivot Challenge Coordinator, Onyinye Okafor, explained that the challenge will focus on various critical sectors including agriculture and food security, clean energy and environment, gender equality and social inclusion, technology and innovation, healthcare and wellbeing economic development and wealth creation, education and skill development, infrastructure as well as security
She said 50 successful participants would be enrolled in a free boot camp starting September 2nd, while the top 5 from the boot camp exercise will present their final pitches at the October 1 annual Pivot conference with prizes expected for winners.