Our Story
The EME foundation was set up to mark 20 years memorial of HRH Eze Mitchell Ezesomaga Egbukole ksc (Ochoronma IV of Egbu Autonomous community).
The aim of EME foundation is to support youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria, with its initial focus on youths in Imo state.
Before his ascension to the Eze Egbu’s throne, Eze Mitchell Egbukole was a Director in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, where he championed the promotion and development of both small and large-scale industries in Imo State and Nigeria as a whole. He was the first executive secretary of the Fund for small-scale industries (FUSSI) Imo State and was appointed to head various public State-owned Enterprises. He was at various times in the cause of his career the Chairman and/or member of different government parastatals in the old Imo state (present Abia, Ebonyi & Imo state).
During his reign, he was involved in various charitable programmes, aimed at promoting the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo community. He supported a lot of industrialist and traders in the old Aba town in accessing trade funds from government for industrial development. He was involved in education sponsorship: being a lover of education and at one time a teacher, he sponsored the education of numerous relatives and community members through Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions.
His love for entrepreneurial development endeared in our hearts the vision to establish a foundation that supports youth entrepreneurship.
To this end, “Eze Mitchell Egbukole Foundation: Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme” the flagship initiative was formed.
Our mission is to provide a platform whereby youths who have distinguished themselves academically, socially and morally can attain their destiny in high places. To achieve this, we aim to economically empower youths with viable business ideas, by providing them access to funds for start-up business or expansion of existing businesses.
We believe that the impact of this Scheme will go beyond bringing value to the individuals and their families but will also encourage youths to develop themselves and focus on excellence in their various endeavours.
In the inaugural scheme executed in 2019, the sum of N5,900,000 was disbursed. Five beneficiaries hailing from Egbu Autonomous Community were each awarded the sum of one million Naira Seed Capital and three beneficiaries were each awarded N300,000. The selection criteria involved choosing one youth from each of the 5 villages in Egbu Autonomous Community, born between July 1985 and July 1999, who presented a viable business idea and submitted a detailed business plan. The initiative was to commemorate the 20th year memorial of HRH Eze Mitchell Egbukole of blessed memory.
In commemoration of the 25th year memorial of HRH Eze Mitchell Egbukole, the EME Foundation proudly launches the second phase of our Youth Entrepreneurship Grant Program. Building on the triumph of the maiden scheme, were beneficiaries from Egbu Autonomous Community received seed capital, we are broadening our support to empower more entrepreneurs across Imo State.
Aligned with the objectives of the first phase, this endeavor aims to honor HRH Eze Mitchell Egbukole's legacy by extending opportunities to promising entrepreneurs. In this phase, we'll award one million Naira each to 50 entrepreneurs from Owerri North, Owerri West, and Owerri Municipal local governments in Owerri, Imo State.
To be eligible, applicants must:
*Be aged between 21 and 40.
*Have their businesses registered in Imo State.
*Present a viable business idea and a strong commitment to entrepreneurship.
*Fill in a detailed feasibility report and business plan outlining their proposed initiatives.
Selected entrepreneurs will receive one million Naira in seed capital to launch or expand their ventures. The grant will undergo annual review, with the potential for renewal based on performance. We are thrilled to advance our mission of empowering youth entrepreneurs and eagerly anticipate your applications.
OUR PARTNER
EME Foundation partnered with Vestal Egbukole Foundation in its flagship disbursement edition for the women entrepreneurship scheme.
We Are Changing Lives
Ready to turn your innovative idea into reality? Our Youth Entrepreneur Grants Program is here to help you succeed!
The Eze Mitchell Egbukole Foundation is giving out N1,000,000 seed capital to 50 youth entrepreneurs across the 3 LGAs in Owerri made up of Owerri North, Owerri West and Owerri Municipal in commemoration of the 25th year memorial of HRH Eze Mitchell Egbukole.
Application Period: May 6th – June 7th, 2024
Disbursement Ceremony: July 8th, 2024