MHub empowers Nkhotakota youths with $12,500 in grants for innovative business ideas

 

Written by Gift Asibu:

MHub, through its “Digital Malawi” initiative, awarded five youths in Nkhotakota district with $2,500 each on Thursday, for successfully presenting their innovative business ideas.

MHub Technical Manager, Daniel Mvalo said the grant aims to empower young entrepreneurs to pursue their business dreams and become job creators for fellow youths.

Mvalo said, “The aim of the project is to empower the youths to attain business skills and have access to grants and digital skills that can be used to bring impact in their lives”.

Beneficiaries were divided into cohorts, with some focusing on establishing businesses and others seeking opportunities in the job market.

According to Mvalo, internship opportunities have been secured for those interested in the job market, while those pursuing business ventures received training in marketing and branding skills.

He disclosed that the awardees will be closely monitored using the grant’s policy and guidelines to ensure that the funds have been used for their intended objectives.

“We are expecting a lot from them as they do not only have ideas, but they also have resources that will help to complement their vision and grow by employing their fellow youths,” he said.

One of the grant recipients, 24-year-old Shakira Chimphepo, the owner of Golden Grain Agro-dealer from Dwambadzi in the Northern part of Nkhotakota district, expressed her gratitude for the grant. Chimphepho plans to use the funds to scale her rice business.

“It has been my dream to scale up my rice business, including processing, grading, and supplying rice to various institutions,” Chimphepo said.

She encouraged fellow youths not to underestimate their potential and to work towards achieving their dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem.

Approximately 50 contestants participated in the innovative business ideas competition.