Total launches startupper challenge for entrepreneurs

Total launches startupper challenge for entrepreneurs

Total launches startupper challenge for entrepreneurs

TOTAL Nigeria Plc and Total Upstream
Companies in Nigeria have launched the
“Startupper of the year by Total” challenge.
This initiative, which is simultaneously organised
by the Total Group in 34 countries in Africa, aims
to identify, reward and provide support to the
best business creation and business development
projects under two years of existence in Nigeria.
According to the company, the winning
projects will be granted the “Startupper
of the year 2016 by Total” label, as well
as financial assistance and a coaching
from Total Nigeria Plc and Total
Upstream Companies in Nigeria.
A jury of professionals will pre-select up
to ten of the best submitted projects in
Nigeria based on specific criteria, which
include innovation, originality, audacity
and potential to impact on socio-
economic development of the Nigerian
society and its people.
The company said that the list of finalists
will be published on the website by
February 28, 2016.
It stated: “After candidates’ defence
which will take place by March 15, 2016,
the jury will choose the best projects (up
to three) and the results will be
announced during the awards ceremony.
“The Challenge “Startupper of the year
by Total” is part of Total’s global
initiative of supporting the
socioeconomic development of all the
countries where it operates worldwide. It
is a very concrete action launched to
locally contribute to the reinforcement
of the industrial fabric and to
employment on the African continent, by
supporting the most daring and
innovative entrepreneurs in realizing
their project. This approach targets the
emergence of new initiatives, while
respecting the Total Group values”.
Speaking at a media briefing, the
Managing Director of Total Nigeria Plc,
Alexis Vovk, the challenge is to support
young Nigerian entrepreneurs below the
age of 35 by not only giving them
financial support but also customised
coaching, an impactful and rewarding
label and visibility. “We have identified
that young entrepreneurs are not only
interested in financial support”.
They are looking for empowerment and
visibility”, it added.
He disclosed that a jury of professionals
will be pre-select up to ten of the best
submitted projects in Nigeria based on
specific criteria which include
innovation, originality, audacity and
potential to impact on the socio-
economic development of the Nigerian
society and its people.
Vovk noted that after the candidates’
defence, which will take place by March
next year, the jury will choose the best
three projects and the results will be
announced during the awards ceremony.
He stated: “The jury members comprise
a crop of acknowledged experts and
analysts drawn from reputable Nigerian
and international organisations. They
represent a wide variety of business
sectors. We are therefore very confident
that the best ideas will be chosen and
assure Nigerians utmost transparency in
the entire process”.