Call for Concept Notes for the 9th Young Business Leaders Program

The Emmanuel Ivorgba Center is proud to announce the opening of submissions for the 9th and 2nd Editions of the Young Business Leaders (YBL) Program for Nigeria and Sierra Leone, respectively. Since its inception nine years ago, the YBL Award has been a vital platform to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth within the country. We invite passionate and driven young entrepreneurs across Nigeria to submit their concept notes for this prestigious program, which offers a unique opportunity to transform ideas into thriving businesses.

The YBL Program, supported by Rotary Club for Global Action, is designed to identify and support promising young entrepreneurs who are committed to creating lasting impact through their ventures. Recognizing that youth unemployment remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, the program aims to not only help individuals start and scale their businesses but also to generate employment opportunities for others in their communities. By nurturing these entrepreneurs, we believe we can contribute to a more prosperous and inclusive Nigerian economy.

Participants in the program will benefit from a comprehensive package of support tailored to their specific needs. This includes access to mini-capital grants to accelerate business growth, as well as expert local mentorship and training. Our approach emphasizes practical, hands-on support that equips young entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to succeed. The program also encourages innovative business ideas that have the potential for scalability and social impact, particularly those addressing local challenges with sustainable solutions.

To apply, young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 years, are required to submit a concise concept note that clearly outlines their business idea, target market, unique value proposition, and growth plans. The submission deadline is Wednesday, December 31, 2025 and applicants are encouraged to ensure their proposals demonstrate clarity, creativity, and a strong potential for impact. Selected candidates will be invited for further evaluation and mentorship sessions, leading to the final selection of the 9th cohort.

The Emmanuel Ivorgba Center remains committed to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian business leaders. We believe that supporting young entrepreneurs is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future—creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and fostering innovation at the grassroots level. If you are a young Nigerian with a viable business idea or a startup ready to expand, we invite you to seize this opportunity to elevate your venture with the support of the YBL Program.

METHOD OF SUBMISSION 

All Nominations (Copy of Birth Certificate, Concept Note and Sustainability Plan, not more than 3 pages long), should be submitted by email to:

1.       FOR SIERRA LEONE APPLICANTS: themmanuelivorgbafoundationsl@gmail.com

2.       FOR NIGERIA APPLICATIONS: info@theivorgbacenter.org and copy: teivorgbafoundation@gmail.com

The closing date for all submissions is Wednesday, December 31, 2025