Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship: The Shell LiveWIRE Initiative

In the dynamic landscape of Nigeria's entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Shell LiveWIRE program stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young innovators. Supported by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), LiveWIRE Nigeria operates with a clear mission: to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit among youth aged 18-30 in the Niger Delta region.

Fostering Entrepreneurship:

With a focus on states including Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Akwa-Ibom, LiveWIRE Nigeria isn't just a program; it's a catalyst for change. Each year, it equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and financial support necessary to turn their business dreams into reality.

Investing in the Future:

At its core, Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria is a social investment initiative, designed to empower young Nigerians aged 18 to 35 to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path. By offering comprehensive training, business development services, and crucial startup capital, the program aims to not only create jobs but also cultivate a culture of innovation and self-reliance.

A Legacy of Success:

Since its inception on March 27, 2003, Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria has been at the forefront of youth enterprise development. With over 6,580 young individuals trained and 3,373 receiving startup grants, the program has sparked a wave of economic empowerment across the region. Many of these beneficiaries have gone on to become successful employers, driving local economies and inspiring future generations.

Unlocking Potential:

More than just a program, Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria is a testament to the power of youth entrepreneurship. By providing opportunities for young people to harness their talents and create thriving businesses, it's not just changing lives – it's shaping the future of Nigeria's economy.

In the journey of entrepreneurship, the Shell LiveWIRE program isn't just a stepping stone; it's a launchpad towards a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow.

Programme Objectives

The objectives for the LiveWIRE Programme in Nigeria are to;

• Provide intensive entrepreneurship training
• Raise business awareness amongst final year university students to encourage them to see starting a business as a valid career option.
• Support youths to discover and develop business 'ideas' through Bright Ideas workshops.
• Make available to youths, business planning and management guidelines and skills through the ‘Become A Successful Owner Manager Course’ (BSOM).
• Provide business start-up grant for candidates with the best business plan
• Run awards for best business plans, of which the prize gives access to micro-credit facilities, through third parties like banks, NGOs and allied financial institutions.
• Support young entrepreneurs to formalise their businesses 
• Run an award for young people who have sustained a business for 1 to 3 years and continue the award on an annual basis.
• Provide a volunteer mentoring programme for those who have completed the training course and decide to pursue starting their own business. Mentors can be drawn from oil and gas, banking, social voluntary sectors, etc.
• Provide opportunity for young people to participate in global award programmes
• Provides automatic membership of LiveWIRE alumni

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Programme Content

• Bright Ideas and Become a Successful Business Owner Manager (BSOM) workshops:
  These are run for groups of young people to stimulate exchange of ideas, encourage good planning for the most viable business idea, and to facilitate a good foundation on which to start businesses. At the end of the Bright Ideas workshops, outstanding participants are encouraged to complete the BSOM training workshop for opportunities for awards and/or micro-credit through partner organisations for business start-up.

• Business Awareness Forum:
  This forum provides a basic introduction to enterprise for young people as they prepare to graduate from universities. Potential business owners identified through this forum will be assisted further through a short BSOM course.

• Young Business Leaders Awards:
  A prestigious cash awards programme for young owner managers who have been in business for up to 1 year and can demonstrate significant (best) progress in the areas of production/service, financial growth, employment opportunities generation, and improvements in management strategies. These awards are expected to help these young people to further grow and/or diversify their businesses.

• Business Information and Enquiry Service:
  By providing Business Opportunities Profiles (BOPs), young people are introduced to the requirements for starting a particular business in terms of; capital, legal, technical and human resources, and the market opportunities that exist for such a business.

How to Participate?

The LiveWIRE programme is widely advertised - intending participants / beneficiaries should watch out for the adverts in local newspapers, handbills, posters and on the website www.shellnigeria.com/liveWIRE

Funding/Partnering

On the Global level, the LiveWIRE programme is funded by Shell, local companies, government and individuals that are interested in youth development. At present, the Nigeria programme is supported by the SPDC JV (NNPC/SPDC/TEPNG/Agip)  and Shell International although efforts are being made to involve other local companies and government to support the activities of LiveWIRE in Nigeria.

Philanthropists - Participating as a philanthropists

A philanthropist or someone interested in helping the youth become self employed, may want to fund the programme in his/her community, church or Local Government Area (LGA).

Partnerships - Participating as a partner

• Corporate organisations - A corporate organisation may want to fund this programme in its host community as part of corporate social responsibility.

• Government - There is enough opportunity to fund the LiveWIRE programme at Local and State levels.

Contributors shall be appropriately acknowledged in all the training documents and banners produced. Also, the beneficiaries are selected from specific areas of interest to the contributors. i.e. communities, LGA, etc. In some of the cases above, SPDC is willing to co-fund the programme especially if within the company's operational area.

Contact Details

The Programme Manager,

LiveWIRE Nigeria,

Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited (SPDC)

Phone- 08070322234