The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has officially kicked off the 2018 SPDC JV LiveWIRE Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at empowering the youth in the Niger Delta states.
The program focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and business growth among young individuals to contribute to economic development and thriving communities.
LiveWIRE Objectives and Vision:
LiveWIRE Nigeria, backed by SPDC, is a youth enterprise development program designed to provide opportunities for young individuals to realize their potential by establishing and expanding their businesses.
The vision is to cultivate enterprises that not only contribute to a robust economy but also create fulfillment for the youth involved.
Eligibility Criteria:
To participate in the LiveWIRE Programme, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being indigenes of Niger Delta states such as Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, or Edo.
They must hold a university degree or HND in any discipline, be unemployed, possess an innovative business idea, aspire to own and manage a business, and not have owned a business for more than three years.
Focus Areas and Business Plan:
The LiveWIRE Program encourages business ideas in specified value chain sectors, including Agriculture, Clean Energy Solutions/Oil and Gas Social Enterprise, Manufacturing, Retail and Wholesale, and ICT and Telecommunications.
Applicants are required to develop a business plan related to these sectors.
Program Benefits and Aims:
The LiveWIRE Program aims to:
- Raise business awareness among final-year university students.
- Help youth discover and develop business ideas through Bright Ideas Workshops.
- Provide business planning and management guidance through the Become A Successful Owner Manager Course (BSOM).
- Award prizes for the best business plans, granting access to micro-credit facilities.
- Recognize and reward young entrepreneurs who sustain a business for 2 to 3 years.
- Offer a volunteer mentoring program for those completing the training course.
Target Beneficiaries and Opportunities:
The program targets youths in the age range of 18 to 30 years, providing them access to attractive, high-quality programs and opportunities.
Additionally, joint venture partners, especially Shell, gain public relations, media, and brand opportunities by demonstrating commitment to local economic development.
Conclusion and Application Link:
As the LiveWIRE Program unfolds, it presents a promising avenue for youth in the Niger Delta to embark on entrepreneurial journeys.
Interested individuals can apply by clicking [HERE](application link).
The SPDC JV LiveWIRE Programme signifies a proactive step toward youth empowerment and economic development in the Niger Delta.
By focusing on specific value chain sectors and providing comprehensive support, the program aims to not only create successful entrepreneurs but also contribute to the broader goals of community development and economic resilience.
As the initiative unfolds, it holds the potential to be a catalyst for positive change, providing young individuals with the tools and opportunities they need to shape their future and contribute meaningfully to society.