NIGERIA’S premiere creative learning platform, The Phoenix Project has announced three exceptional young entrepreneurs who emerged as awardees of its annual pitch event.
The list of awardees singled out for their exceptional work includes Olukoya Benjamin, founder of ShoggybenVisuals; Dawn Nketim-Rex, founder of The Film Joint and Eric Nwanso, creator of an online platform for indigenous language and culture for Nigerian teens and adults.
The awardees were selected from a group of 10 finalists who pitched their ideas to a panel of judges on September 4, at the Access Bank Headquarters, Oniru, Lagos.
Each awardee will receive a grant of N1.5 million. In addition to the financial support, the awardees will receive mentorship and access to a network of industry experts to guide their business growth including working closely with The Emerging Business unit of Access Bank to receive all necessary support through their entrepreneurial journey.
Some of the benefits available to them include access to reduced-interest business loans, access to tailored advisory services and business consultations designed for micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the Access SME business clinic.
The Phoenix Project, which launched in April 2022, provides training and support for individuals seeking to launch a business or career in the Nigerian creative industry.
The three-tiered programme includes the beginner (virtual), intermediate and advanced levels (physical) in partnership with the School of Media and Communication of the Pan-Atlantic University and a three-month incubation programme called the Phoenix Den at the Nest Innovation Tech Park.
The 10 finalists at the event include Akintomide Aluko, Dawn Nketim-Rex, Deborah Ukpanah, Henry Owumi, Peace Monday, Eric Nwanso, Olukoya Benjamin, Tosin Jones, Temitope Mary Odo and Laura Okpare.
Speaking on the project, the Chief Executive Officer, Accelerate, Colette Otusheso, stated that the Phoenix Project remains a veritable platform to exhibit creative talents.
Otusheso said: “The Phoenix Project has consistently provided a platform for creative talent to thrive in Nigeria. We are proud to continue this tradition and offer financial support to these brilliant entrepreneurs who are set to impact the industry.
“In addition to financial support, the Phoenix Project is dedicated to nurturing creative talent in Nigeria through targeted training, capacity-building programmes and fostering a strong sense of community. We believe that by investing in these areas, we can create a sustainable and vibrant creative industry.”
In her remarks, Head of Non-Financial Services, Access Bank Plc, Chioma Ogwo, emphasised the importance of supporting the creative industry in Nigeria.
“At Access Bank, we believe in nurturing talent, especially those dedicated to the progress of Nigeria’s creative ecosystem. The Phoenix Project provides the perfect platform to realise that vision. We are thrilled to be a part of this movement by supporting small and medium-sized businesses. We provide access to finance, training, as well as a network of like-minded entrepreneurs for support,” she said.
At the event, a special recognition was also awarded to writer and filmmaker, Tosin Jones, for his social impact short film. He went home with a laptop and will receive additional resources such as sound scoring and editing support from Accelerate Studios to complete his short film.
The list of judges on the panel includes CEO of Accelerate Group, Colette Otusheso, CEO of Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, Osayi Alile; COO/Executive Creative Director of Imaginarium Marketing Communications, Jay Chukwuemeka; Marketing and Communications Leader, Orimolade Oluwamuyemi Alexander; Head Non-Financial Services and Emerging Businesses, Access Bank Plc, Chioma Ogwo and founder/President, Konamii Africa, Olamide Olabisi.
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