APPLY: Farmers For The Future (F4F) Grant – Win Up To N3 Million Cash Prize
The Farmers for the Future (F4F) Grant is an interesting opportunity that offers young farmers the funding they need to develop their businesses. This grant makes available funds to young people without taking an interest in the equity of the agri-businesses so that beneficiaries would go to the next level without giving up any ownership.
Initiated by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) in cooperation with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and supported and administered by the Fate Foundation, this program is designed for interested NYSC members who want to engage in agriculture.
The goal? To turn farming into not only an occupation, but a career that Nigerian youth would consider as worthy of pursuit, in an endeavor to reduce unemployment, and at the same time encourage productive farming.
Objectives of Farmers For The Future (F4F) Grant:
- Make Agribusiness Attractive: The program aims to shift perceptions, making agriculture a viable and appealing career option for young people.
- Reduce Youth Unemployment: By equipping young entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and funding, the grant helps combat the high unemployment rates among Nigeria’s youth.
- Drive Youth Engagement in Agriculture: Through hands-on support and financial aid, the initiative seeks to actively involve more young people in the agricultural sector.
- Youth Development: Focused on building skills and capacity in agro-practices, the grant empowers the next generation of farmers.
Access to Finance:
- The top six finalists will share a total of NGN 10 million, divided as follows: NGN 3 million for the first prize, NGN 2 million for the second, and NGN 1 million for the third prize.
- Winners also gain access to financial institutions and potential investors for additional funding opportunities.
- Besides the cash prize, technical support is provided to help winners establish and scale their agribusinesses.
Training and Capacity Building:
- Participants will undergo an intensive boot camp designed to refine their business strategies and improve their pitch skills.
- Winners will benefit from mentorship programs, connecting them with seasoned entrepreneurs and agricultural experts.
- They’ll also join the F4F alumni network, gaining access to ongoing training, support, and valuable connections within the industry.
- Assistance with business registration and meeting legal requirements will also be provided.
Competition Stages:
- Submit Your Application: The first step is the application process and this is done through the F4F portal by filling out an online application. Ensure to explain what sets your agribusiness apart and what change it seeks to bring to society.
- Virtual Bootcamp: From all the applications, 20 promising businesses will have an opportunity to feature in a highly competitive virtual boot camp. This phase is concerned with refining business ideas and developing powerful presentations.
- Pitch Event & Award: Out of the ten start-ups from the business boot camp, only the best ideas selected from them will be presented before Judges and Potential Investors. Of all the applicants from this group, three winners will be selected to receive the monetary prizes.
- Mentorship: The three businesspersons that will clinch the top slots will get funding for their ventures and also get to work under the guidance of experienced mentors. They’ll be introduced to networks that could help them seek more funding and market access.
- Join The Farmers For The Future Alumni: This means that the F4F alumni network will offer continued mentorship, unique access to events for alumni only, and support from a strong base of winners, to the winners.
For more information on how to apply and the best way to take advantage of this opportunity, then you should check out the official Farmers For The Future (F4F) Grant website.
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