Renowned Nigerian pastor and entrepreneur Jerry Eze has announced the launch of a $300,000 empowerment grant designed to support young Nigerian entrepreneurs in starting or scaling their businesses. The initiative, unveiled during a special event, seeks to promote entrepreneurship, create jobs, and encourage economic self-reliance among Nigeria’s youth.

The grant, which will be disbursed in stages, targets innovative and promising young business owners, providing financial support, mentorship, and resources to help them grow their ventures. According to Pastor Eze, the initiative is part of a broader commitment to empowering the next generation and addressing youth unemployment across the country.

Speaking in the announcement video, Pastor Eze emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the economy. “Our youth are the backbone of this nation,” he said. “This grant is not just about money; it’s about building capacity, encouraging innovation, and helping young entrepreneurs realize their full potential.”

The application process for the empowerment grant has been opened to individuals and small business owners across Nigeria. Applicants are required to submit detailed business plans and demonstrate how the funds would be used to generate growth, create employment, and impact their communities positively.

The program has already generated widespread excitement on social media, with many young entrepreneurs praising the initiative as timely and transformative. Some commenters hailed Pastor Eze for taking practical steps beyond motivational talks to directly support small business growth, noting that initiatives like this could significantly boost Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Pastor Eze, who is also the founder of Streams of Joy International Church, has a history of community development programs. This latest empowerment initiative aligns with his long-term vision to foster economic independence and mentorship among Nigerian youth. Beyond financial assistance, successful applicants will also have access to mentorship sessions, business coaching, and networking opportunities, ensuring that the grant has a lasting impact.

The announcement comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with high youth unemployment rates, and there is growing interest in programs that encourage self-sufficiency and skill development. Observers believe that empowerment grants like this one could help young people overcome barriers to entrepreneurship, particularly in sectors such as technology, agriculture, creative industries, and small-scale manufacturing.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals through the official grant portal, with evaluation criteria focusing on creativity, feasibility, social impact, and potential for growth. The disbursement will prioritize projects that combine innovation with sustainable business models, ensuring that the grant produces measurable outcomes for beneficiaries and the wider community.

With this initiative, Pastor Jerry Eze joins a growing number of religious leaders in Nigeria who are leveraging their platforms to address economic challenges and support youth empowerment. The program not only provides immediate financial relief but also encourages a culture of entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and community impact among young Nigerians.