The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has unveiled the “Farmers for the Future” (F4F) Grant which aims to provide aspiring young individuals in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with equity-free capital and essential support to scale their agri-business ventures.
Developed in collaboration with the NYSC and executed by FATE Foundation, the F4F Grant presents a unique opportunity for currently serving NYSC members to realize their agricultural ambitions.
The grant, which offers a total of NGN 10 million in equity-free capital, will be awarded to the top 6 finalists, with the first prize receiving ₦3 million, the second prize ₦2 million, and the third prize ₦1 million.
The F4F Grant doesn’t stop at financial assistance. Winners will also benefit from invaluable technical support to establish and expand their agribusinesses, ensuring they are set up for long-term success.
Moreover, the project facilitates connections with financial institutions and potential investors for additional funding and credit facilities, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for growth.
The competition unfolds in several stages, beginning with the submission of applications through the online portal. Out of the entries received, 20 selected businesses will enter a virtual bootcamp, an intensive training phase to refine their business strategies and craft compelling pitches.
The culmination of this process is the Pitch Event & Award, where the top 10 participants will present their ideas to a panel of expert judges and potential investors, resulting in the selection of three winners.
These winners will not only secure financing for their ventures but also gain access to mentorship from seasoned industry professionals. This mentorship will guide them in executing and scaling their agribusinesses, offering crucial insights and connections within the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, winners will join the exclusive “Farmers for the Future” Alumni network, providing ongoing mentorship, networking opportunities, and avenues for follow-on financing and market expansion.
The F4F Grant aligns with BATNF’s commitment to nurturing youth engagement in sustainable agriculture, paving the way for a promising future in the agrarian landscape.
Applications are open until August 31, 2023, and young agri-entrepreneurs are encouraged to seize this remarkable opportunity to transform their dreams into thriving businesses.
