ActivatorHQ, a platform dedicated to tracking Africa’s top 100 business opportunities and supporting entrepreneurs, recently provided financial empowerment to budding entrepreneurs in collaboration with Merriflux Nigeria Ltd and VOP 90.3 FM, Lagos. The 3X start-up prize contest saw over 300 entrepreneurs submit their business ideas, with 10 finalists presenting their pitches to the audience, who then voted for the top three winners. The winners received cash prizes of N500,000.00, N300,000.00, and N200,000.00, respectively.
Founder of ActivatorHQ, John Paul Iwuoha, articulated the platform’s mission to encourage and promote entrepreneurship in Nigeria and Africa. In addition to financial support, ActivatorHQ provides budding entrepreneurs with insights, training, and guidance to navigate the challenging markets in Africa. Since 2013, the platform has successfully helped numerous entrepreneurs establish and grow businesses across several countries within and outside Africa.
Moreover, ActivatorHQ offers market intelligence reports, bespoke business plans, training, management consulting, private consultations, strategy sessions, online business courses, and personal and group coaching. The winners of the 3X start-up prize underwent rigorous evaluation, with Iwuoha expressing confidence in their potential to not only establish successful businesses but also contribute to the nation’s economic growth by creating employment opportunities.
CEO of Merriflux Nigeria Ltd, Merry Onaefe-Edebi, praised John Paul Iwuoha for initiating and funding the contest, as well as the management of VOP90.3 FM for providing the platform. She emphasized the importance of equipping business owners with insight, training, and guidance, highlighting the role of ActivatorHQ in fostering entrepreneurship and potentially reducing unemployment in Nigeria.
General Manager of VOP90.3, Segun Adeniji, underscored the radio station’s commitment to entrepreneurship development and nation-building. He praised the collaboration between ActivatorHQ, Merriflux Nigeria Ltd, and VOP90.3 FM, reiterating the station’s readiness to support innovative and creative ideas from Nigerians.
The first prize winner, Ozioma Chioma Alagba, developed a nutritionally fortified pap, while the second prize went to Erioluwa Odewunmi for producing natural and healthy cake. Uche Uzumma Elekima clinched the third prize with her traditional herbal remedies. The winners expressed gratitude to the organizers and pledged to utilise the financial support judiciously.
This initiative not only empowers budding entrepreneurs but also contributes to the growth and development of the entrepreneurial sector in Nigeria, ultimately fostering economic progress and job creation. The collaboration between ActivatorHQ, Merriflux Nigeria Ltd, and VOP 90.3 FM serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, signalling opportunities for growth, support, and success. As a result, we anticipate that the entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria will continue to thrive and evolve, paving the way for a new wave of successful businesses and economic prosperity.