Africa-Press – Lesotho. UPG Biashara is an initiative that supports entrepreneurs in their journey to turn ideas into businesses. The unique ecosystem is built with a view that entrepreneurs make the world a better place and so they deserve support that maximises their chances of success.
And this support is provided for free to 500 fortunate entrepreneurs who earn their place by demonstrating their ideas and their passion. The initiative is defined by two distinct journeys: the Learning Journey and the Action Journey.
Grants are provided during the Action Journey and are possible through the Diamonds Do Good® Entrepreneurship Grant. As a priority country, Lesotho entrepreneurs will enjoy priority in the selection into the Class of 2023 of UPG Biashara.
Once accepted, they will obtain significant support in their entrepreneurship journey, learning both hard and soft skills. The Class of 2022 of UPG Biashara Entrepreneurs benefitted from: 50 classes, 70 hours of class time, 39 instructors, 137 LIVE pitches and CASH grants! All free.
They will also expand their network and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs from over 50 countries, across all world regions. In addition, Lesotho entrepreneurs also enjoy priority status with the Diamonds do Good® Entrepreneurship Grant.
The Diamonds do Good® Entrepreneurship Grant is an accelerator of the impact that entrepreneurs can have in communities, with a special focus on small and medium size entrepreneurs.
The Diamonds do Good® Entrepreneurship Grant is as inclusive as it is inspiring. Most grantees will win a minimum of USD 5,000 to be invested directly into their businesses.
Some entrepreneurs will win higher amounts up to the maximum of USD 20,000. “Diamonds Do Good® believes that by supporting entrepreneurs we are helping to shape a sustainable future for all.
In addition to our support for entrepreneurship in natural diamond mining areas in Africa, we are pleased to include Lesotho in 2023”, said Nancy Orem Lyman. Executive Director, Diamonds Do Good®.
In 2022 there were 20 finalists from 8 countries and a total of 10 UPG Biashara Entrepreneurs won cash grants through the Diamonds do Good® Entrepreneurship Grant.
The winners came through several competitive rounds, including a series of “Shark Tank” style pitches. The Grand Grant prize of $20,000 was won by UPG Biashara Entrepreneur Mirriam Margret Mothibe from Botswana.
Mirriam Margret Mothibe is the founder of I 99 Farms – a business in the agricultural and poultry industry. She is passionate about agribusiness and has also acquired relevant skills for the same.
The Honourable First Lady of Lesotho H. E. Mrs. Neo Masisi announced Mirriam as the winner at a ceremony held on Nelson Mandela Day. “I love you so much.
I wanted this so bad but I did not see myself up there winning the grand prize. Thank you for believing in me: what I have inside is going to be shown to the world! I am so thankful,” Mirriam Margret Mothibe.
As a priority country in 2023, entrepreneurs from Lesotho now have a strong advantage to be selected into the Class of 2023 of UPG Biashara and also to be among the 2023 finalists and eventual winners of the Diamonds do Good® Entrepreneurship Grant.
For More News And Analysis About Lesotho Follow Africa-Press
