Africa-Press – Liberia. iCampus Liberia, in partnership with Mercy Corps, launched its entrepreneurship ecosystem study for small businesses in Montserrado County on Thursday, November 23.
The study aims to assess the current state of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Montserrado County, Liberia, with a specific focus on small businesses.
It also delved into various aspects of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, including access to finance, market opportunities, the regulatory environment, and support services available to small businesses.
The launch, according to the organizers, is part of the institution’s activities under the theme “PROPSECTS-IV Market Systems Development Project.” The study also aimed to evaluate the business support services available to entrepreneurs in the study area.
Speaking at the official pitch and launch of the program, Luther Jeke, iCampus CEO, disclosed that the study is a pilot project that earmarks policies and regulations governing the country’s business climate, which need to be reviewed.
He said by launching this study, iCampus Liberia and Mercy Corps demonstrate their commitment to understanding the challenges faced by small businesses in Montserrado County.
“This is also the official launch of our just-conducted Montserrado County Entrepreneurship Ecosystem study,” Jeke added.
According to him, the partnership recognizes that these enterprises play a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities within the region.
Jeke said they were able to receive a total of 106 entries when they launched the call for applications for the Entrepreneurship Pitch Battle. Following a rigorous vetting process, ten out of the 106 applicants were selected to pitch their business ideas to the panel of judges.
Meanwhile, following a competitive pitch of various ideas, Lorpu S. Klah, CEO of Lorpu Fruit Business, emerged as the 1st place winner.
The 2nd place went to Ellenor Sonkarlay, CEO of Ells Natural, and the 3rd place winner was Deerah B. Mensah, CEO of Dee Detergents. Quaue Womleh from Womlehs Business Center secured 4th place.
The 1st place winner walked away with US$750 USD; the 2nd place – $600 USD; the 3rd place – $400 USD; and the 4th place winner took – US$250 USD. Plus coaching/mentorship in entrepreneurship at the ICampus Entrepreneurship Business Clinic.
The pitch and official launch brought together 10 entrepreneurs from urban and rural Montserrado, including other guests. During the event, these entrepreneurs pitched their various business ideas for at least five minutes each.
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