EGO Foundation, in partnership with Access Holdings, has graduated 32 young entrepreneurs from the 2025 Enterprise Lab: NYSC Edition, an intensive business accelerator designed for serving and former National Youth Service Corps,NYSC members.
The two-week hybrid programme, held from November 5 to 14, equipped participants with practical skills in business modelling, financial management, digital strategy, and investment readiness.
The initiative featured daily virtual classes, weekend in-person clinics, expert mentorship, and real-world assignments aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of young business owners.
Speaking at the graduation and hybrid pitch day, the Executive Director of EGO Foundation, Mr. Toluwase Olaniyan, said the programme was created to help young Nigerians move from ideas to viable, investment-ready enterprises.
“We set out to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity for our youth. The success of these 32 entrepreneurs, who have moved from ideas to investment-ready pitches, validates our approach. They are now equipped not just to seek jobs, but to create them,” he said.
Commitment to inclusion was evident in this year’s cohort, with women leading 18 of the participating businesses. The programme concluded with a competitive pitch session where three outstanding ventures received seed grants to launch or scale their operations.
In addition, 10 participating businesses were supported to complete their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration, advancing their formal entry into the marketplace.
A representative of Access Holdings said the collaboration reflects the organisation’s mission to strengthen Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and empower young innovators. The representative noted that the outcomes, including strong participant engagement, improved financial literacy, and measurable business development, show the impact of combining capacity-building with funding support.
The Enterprise Lab: NYSC Edition has also established an alumni network to provide continued mentorship and growth opportunities for participants, reinforcing the programme’s contribution to job creation and long-term economic development.