They’re young, vibrant, creative, and with a promising future in business, but need a hand.
A hand, the Canadian Imperial Advantage (CIA), provided when they brought together 25 smart youths to develop their businesses and help take it to the next level.
This was the second edition of the CIA Youth Entrepreneurship program that took place within the last 12 weeks, wrapping up with an interesting business pitch competition finale on August 27, 2022, with presentation of businesses by 11 youths.
The amazing Toluwanimi Olugbade, who started Touched by TOAK & TOAK Jewelry, was selected in first place by a team of judges, followed by the dynamic sisters, Oluchi Anunobi and Amarachi Anunobi, founders of LuMi Cosmetics, and the third place went to the daring Stella Ngokeng, who is developing a real estate investment business.
25 students were involved in the 12 weeks summer program, who all got certificates of participation after six weeks spent in class, and six weeks in the mentorship phase.
The first business in the pitch competition gets website development or promotional marketing support of up to $2,500.
The second will get website development or promotional marketing help of up to $2,000.
The third will get website development aid of up to $1,500.
Registration has already started for next summer, for youths who dare to dream, please go to https://imperialadvantage.ca/