The global non-profit Diamonds Do Good® announced a $100,000 entrepreneurship grants programme to be managed through United People Global (UPG), which runs the largest sustainability leadership training that currently supports young change makers in over 100 countries working on local projects addressing all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The focus region for the inaugural grants will be Southern Africa where the majority of gem-quality natural diamonds are found. In keeping with the Diamonds Do Good® mission of supporting initiatives that develop and empower people in diamond communities worldwide, the organisation has historically funded programmes what have proved success in providing youth with high-quality education, including leadership development and entrepreneurial skills building.
Today, Diamonds Do Good® recognises that providing access to capital through small amounts of money invested in different early-stage startups will help build and nurture Africa’s future private sector. A minimum of 5 grantees will be identified with funding ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. “An entrepreneur is someone who brings a solution to life. UPG Biashara (the Zulu term for business) supports entrepreneurs in their journey to turn beautiful sparks into enduring flames,” said Yemi Babington-Ashaye, President, UPG.