NIPDB launches NextGen Entrepreneurs N$ 20 000 up for grabs

The Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), in partnership with private and public sector players, launched the Know2Grow (K2G) NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase on 7 September.

K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs focuses on showcasing scalable businesses that are majority youth owned, with the overall objective of empowering the next generation of Namibian entrepreneurs across all 14 regions of the country.

This showcase will take place from 16 to 18 November in Tsumeb and will create a market access and capacity-building platform designed to support the entrepreneurial goals of young Namibian business owners within the age range of 18 to 35 years old.

The first annual K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs event will be hosted under the theme 'Scaling through Innovation, Value Addition and Co-operatives."

This platform will afford micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) an opportunity to showcase their business offerings, engage various industry stakeholders, and network with fellow young entrepreneurs.

The executive director of MSME development, innovation and acceleration of NIPDB, Dino Ballotti said, "we exist to unlock opportunities that will enable a better quality of life for all Namibians."

NextGen

Standard Bank is the premium sponsor.

Kadijah Mouton of Standard Bank Namibia, said: "We are very intentional when we decide which events and organisations we partner with, so partnering with NIPDB was a no-brainer."

She commended NIPDB and the work they do in the SME environment. "Growth may be our mandate, but it is not a one-man project. We are happy to allocate our resources to support the experts in the field of entrepreneurship and development."

Call of expressions

Selected exhibitors will be given the opportunity to enter an awards competition with a N$20 000 cash prize and other non-monetary prizes up for grabs.

K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs intends to host an estimated 60 MSMEs from various sectors and up to 30 business support organisations.



K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs is not limited to any specific sector, however, MSMEs in the following key sectors are encouraged to participate: textile manufacturing; agriculture; horticulture and food processing; aquaculture; electronics and information; communication and technology (ICT); renewable energy and green hydrogen and pharmaceuticals.

Criteria

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

- Must be a registered business

- Must be majority youth owned

- Must be majority Namibian owned and operated within Namibian territory.



- Must have been registered for at least six months



- Must be a micro, small or medium enterprise



- Must have quality and reputable products or services to showcase

All applications will close on 21 September. For more information visit https://nipdb.com/k2g-coe/