The Phoenix Project, a creative learning platform, has awarded N4.5 million in grants to three young entrepreneurs at its annual pitch event, The Phoenix Den. The recipients were Olukoya Benjamin – Founder of Shoggyben Visuals; 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 entrepreneurs were selected from a group of 10 finalists after presenting their business ideas to a panel of judges on September 4, 2024, at Access Bank Headquarters, Oniru, Lagos, and will each receive a grant of N1.5 million.
Sitting on the panel of judges were Colette Otusheso, CEO of Accelerate Group, Osayi Alile, CEO of Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation; Jay Chukwuemeka, COO and Executive Creative Director of Imaginarium Marketing Communications; Orimolade Oluwamuyemi Alexander, Marketing & Communications Leader; Chioma Ogwo, Head Non-Financial Services and Emerging Businesses at Access Bank Plc; and Olamide Olabisi Founder/President, Konamii Africa.
The finalists at the event were Akintomide Aluko, Dawn Nketim-Rex, Deborah Ukpanah, Henry Owumi, Peace Monday, Eric Nwanso, Olukoya Benjamin, Tosin Jones, Temitope Mary Odo, and Laura Okpare.
In addition to the grants, the winners will receive mentorship and access to industry experts to guide their business development. Access Bank’s Emerging Business unit will provide further support, including reduced interest business loans, access to tailored advisory services and business consultations designed for micro, small and medium enterprises through the Access SME business clinic.
Special recognition was also given to filmmaker Tosin Jones for his social impact short film. He received a laptop and will get additional production support, including sound scoring and editing assistance from Accelerate Studios.
Otusheso commended the platform for providing financial support and opportunities for creative entrepreneurs, saying, “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 programs, and fostering a strong sense of community. We believe that by investing in these areas, we can create a sustainable and vibrant creative industry.”
The Head of Non-Financial Services at Access Bank, Chioma Ogwo, also highlighted Access Bank’s commitment to fostering talent within Nigeria’s creative sector, expressing the bank’s dedication to providing finance, training, and entrepreneurial networks to help grow small and medium-sized businesses. She said, “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.”
The Phoenix Project, created by Accelerate and powered by Access Bank, launched in 2022. The platform is designed to develop the creative potential of young Nigerians by offering training in various creative fields and providing the resources needed to empower youths in the creative industry. The the three-tiered program 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 3-month incubation program called the Phoenix Den at the Nest Innovation Tech Park.
The Project covers 12 knowledge areas such as Social Media for Business, Entertainment Law, Advertising your brand, Graphic design, becoming an Influencer, Introduction to Film, Scriptwriting, Business of Vlogging, Introduction to Songwriting, Introduction to Film Production, Business of Entertainment and the Business of Fashion.
Melissa Enoch
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