Godman Akinlabi, author, leadership coach, international speaker, and renowned global lead pastor of The Elevation Church, officially launched the Godman Akinlabi Enterprise Development Fund on Saturday, 14th December 2024, during his 50th birthday anniversary celebration.
This transformative grant is dedicated to financially empowering faith-based entrepreneurs, driving innovation, and championing sustainable business practices, all with the goal of creating a lasting societal impact.
With an initial endowment of 50 million Naira personally funded by Godman Akinlabi, this inaugural initiative will provide grants to deserving businesses, laying the foundation for transformative impact.
Designed to remain entirely non-profit now and in the future, the Fund represents the start of an ambitious journey to evolve into an annual programme dedicated to supporting high-potential enterprises with sustainable impact.
Over time, it will welcome contributions from individuals, partners, and organisations united by a shared vision of building a more inclusive, prosperous, and impactful economy.
As part of the commemoration of his 50th birthday, Godman Akinlabi will host an exclusive leadership lecture at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, featuring keynote speaker and renowned thought leader, Leke Alder.
This high-profile event will serve as a platform to explore transformative ideas on governance, leadership, and their critical roles in driving societal progress.
With a focus on equipping attendees with actionable insights, the lecture underscores the values of visionary leadership, ethical governance, and strategic innovation essential for shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future.
A recent report by the International Trade Centre (ITC) highlights a stark reality: the vast majority of Nigerian SMEs remain underfunded, with only 15 percent able to access formal credit.
This financial gap, worsened by an economy strained by inadequate cash flow, stifles the growth and potential of small businesses.
The Godman Akinlabi Enterprise Development Fund aims to directly address these challenges by offering critical support, including access to capital, mentorship, and growth resources.
The Fund envisions entrepreneurship as a transformative engine for driving innovation, generating employment, and fostering sustainable societal change.
Godman Akinlabi, whose passion for leadership development and national transformation inspired this landmark project, shared his vision during the launch:
“This Fund is the realisation of a long-held vision to raise leaders who will build profitable enterprises, transform industries, and inspire tangible change. I believe true leadership is not just about personal success but about creating platforms for others to thrive. This Fund is that platform: a vehicle to empower courageous, faith-driven entrepreneurs to break barriers, innovate boldly, and redefine the future of business.”
The Godman Akinlabi Enterprise Development Fund offers targeted support for small and early-stage businesses, providing seed capital ranging from ₦250,000 to ₦2,000,000 for businesses looking to establish or scale.
Enterprises with proven potential can access growth capital of up to ₦5,000,000, enabling them to expand their operations and deepen their impact.
This initiative goes beyond financial assistance by providing beneficiaries with mentorship and strategic guidance, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of business growth.
The Vantage Forum, a key partner in the initiative, will oversee the program’s governance, defining the application criteria to select deserving, high-potential candidates. Additionally, The Vantage Forum will manage the evaluation and selection process, ensuring alignment with the Fund’s vision and objectives.
“By equipping individuals with resources, mentorship, and opportunities, we are not only creating economic prosperity but also fostering a legacy of leadership and positive impact that will reverberate across generations,” Akinlabi shared in a post-launch interview.
Applications for the first round of grants will open on 28th December 2024 and will be processed through the website.
The Godman Akinlabi Enterprise Development Fund is set to redefine the landscape of entrepreneurship by nurturing businesses that combine purpose with profit and drive meaningful societal change while maintaining its non-profit ethos.
Through strategic partnerships and a unified vision, the Fund will serve as a powerful catalyst for economic transformation, providing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive.
