50 SMEs get training on digital and financial solution as Y’ello Care enters 16th year
As parts of its contribution to the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, the country’s leading telecom and tech company – MTN Nigeria, through its annual employee volunteerism initiative – 21 Days of Y’ello Care, selected 50 SMEs across the country for a special training on digital solutions and financial tools to help scale their businesses and also contribute to the nation’s economy.
Since the commencement of the one-month training on June 1, 2023, MTN employees have trained SMEs owners, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs), across Nigeria on financial literacy and digital skills whilst providing them with financial support.
As part of the 30-day activities, MTN Nigeria held a bazaar and trade fair for the SMEs on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at its corporate head office in Ikoyi, Lagos, where the 50 local entrepreneurs showcased their products to MTN employees and guests, including the wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu who described the initiatives as “a solid example of sustained positive impact within our communities.”
“I find it particularly gratifying that this year’s programme is shining a spotlight on SMEs. I applaud the Lagos State officials, MTN partners, SMEs, MTN Board, Management and staff, and all other stakeholders present here today for driving and facilitating this noble cause,” Dr Sanwo-Olu said.
The event also featured a Y’ello Den Pitch-A-Thon in partnership with the Bank of Industry, for business owners to pitch their business expansion plans to qualify for financial and tech support from MTN Nigeria. The top five best pitches were also specially rewarded.
“This is the 16th year of our signature volunteer initiative designed to impact lives and communities around us. This year, we are ‘Empowering Entrepreneurs to Unlock Growth and Job Creation for Communities’ with a focus on leveraging skills, digital and financial tools to drive growth among entrepreneurs. In special focus are our women, youth, and people living with disabilities. We assure all our stakeholders that we remain unrelenting in our efforts to empower entrepreneurs and uplift communities in Lagos and across the country,” said Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN Nigeria.
Launched in 2007, Y’ello Care seeks to inspire MTN employees, encouraging them to actively contribute their resources (time, financial, and skill set) to community development.
