The Farmers for the Future (F4F) Grant is a premier agricultural entrepreneurship initiative designed to empower young people with promising agri-business ventures. The program provides equity-free capital, bootcamp comprehensive training, mentorship and additional support to help scale these businesses. This initiative, created and funded by BATN Foundation in collaboration with the NYSC, is part of BATNF’s unwavering commitment to fostering youth engagement in sustainable agriculture.
This grant initiative targets current National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to make agribusiness attractive, reduce youth unemployment, drive youth engagement in agriculture, and foster economic development. Through this initiative, participants are trained and empowered in agro-practices that position them for long-term success in the agribusiness value chain.
During a recent visit, the BATNF team, led by General Manager Mr. Oludare Odusanya, met with the new Director of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), Mr. Sunday Robert Aroni. Also present were DD Empowerment, Mr. Alphons Zakaria; Assistant Director SAED, Mrs. Jumai Wagne; and DSAED, Mrs. Delphina Eze. The purpose of the visit was to explore further collaboration opportunities between BATN Foundation and NYSC, ensuring that the foundation’s programs continue to reach and impact more youths than ever before.
Speaking on the visit, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATNF, said, “This partnership with NYSC is critical to our mission of fostering youth engagement in sustainable agriculture. By equipping youths with the skills and resources they need, we are empowering youths to be job creators and helping to secure Nigeria’s agricultural future.”
Echoing this sentiment, the new Director of SAED, Mr. Sunday Robert Aroni, added, “We are excited to deepen our collaboration with BATN Foundation. This initiative is a powerful tool for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our young corps members.”
The Farmers for the Future curriculum is designed to provide aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs with the insights and knowledge needed to explore diverse market opportunities and develop a structured business model for strategic growth. The curriculum is intensive and covers the following areas:
– Entrepreneurship Mindset
– Design Thinking/Innovation/Problem-Solving
– Developing a Business Plan
– Business Model Canvas
– Product Development Strategy
– Marketing/Digital Marketing Strategy
– Managing Business Operations
– Financial Literacy
– Business Pitch Skills
What’s in it for you? Participants stand a chance to win a share of the N10 million grant, designed to kickstart or expand their agribusiness ventures. This prize will provide the capital needed to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Thanks to the support of the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, the program is offered at no cost to entrepreneurs who successfully pass the application stages. This scholarship covers all direct course expenses, including course materials, data support, and post-program assistance.
The program also includes a bootcamp session, which further enhances participants’ practical knowledge and skills, preparing them to confidently pitch their ideas and implement their business strategies.
All participants are required to be National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members actively in their service year. Eligibility will be verified during the shortlisting and selection process.
Interested applicants must complete the application on the BATN Foundation Mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the iOS App Store.
The application for the Farmers for the Future program starts on August 26th, 2024. This program presents a unique opportunity for young agripreneurs to train and empower themselves in agro-practices, reduce youth unemployment, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s agricultural future.
Apply now to be part of this transformative journey and win your share of the N10 million grant!
