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LiveWIRE Nigeria has recruited and trained 34 lead trainers to enable the programme to expand nationally. A special two day 'Train the Trainer' programme was held for the new trainers, representing 17 training organisations from the states of Rivers, Delta, Lagos and Federal Capital Territory.

Up to now, the LiveWIRE Nigeria programme has only been available within the Niger Delta, however in response to the overwhelming demand from young people outside the region, the decision has been taken to deliver the programme nationally during 2014.

In addition to facilitating the national expansion of the LiveWIRE Nigeria programme, the training enabled the participants to understand and buy into the Shell LiveWIRE v2 approach to enterprise development, including using Shell LiveWIRE's 'Value Chain Briefings' which support young entrepreneurs to align their business model to take up opportunities in the various value chains of Nigeria's growing economic sectors, namely: agriculture; manufacturing; oil and gas; retail and wholesale; and telecommunications.

Delivered in Port Harcourt by Karen Bellis and Dr Dawn Cranswick of the Shell LiveWIRE Internationalteam at PNE, with support from the LiveWIRE Nigeria team, the 'Train the Trainer' course introduced Shell LiveWIRE v2 using various exercises and examples. The training comprised numerous activities to encourage participation and maximise learning including: SWOT analysis; Q&A sessions; group discussions; experiential training techniques; role play; short presentations on value chain identification; tips on facilitation; and, participatory learning techniques.

As a result of the training the LiveWIRE Nigeria trainers will play a key role in providing budding young entrepreneurs across the country with access to the essential business knowledge and customised support they need to transform their enterprising ideas into viable and sustainable growing businesses that create employment.

The training was well received by the participants, whose comments included:

"I better understand why businesses fail: lack of a comprehensive business plan; lack of a business continuity initiative (sustainability); and, lack of a value chain idea.”

"I appreciate the creative atmosphere in which everyone was involved in sharing their different ideas in the value chain.”

Emmanuel Anyim, Head of Social Performance, Shell Nigeria, said, "The LiveWIRE 'Train the Trainer' course holds the key to the success of future LiveWIRE programmes, especially the v2 which seeks to leverage on the value chain of the top five sectors contributing to the nation's GDP.”

Karen Bellis of the Shell LiveWIRE International team at PNE said, "The 'Train the Trainer' workshop enabled the best trainers from 17 organisations to develop an excellent understanding and buy-in to Shell LiveWIRE v2.

This will enable many more young people across the country to access the support they need to start and grow businesses which will create employment and contribute to the country's economic growth.”

Fifty young entrepreneurs from Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States have each been awarded funding of N300,000 (US $1,800) by Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria to enable them to start up, or grow, their own businesses. The grants were presented at a special Shell LiveWIRE awards ceremony in Port Harcourt by Bolarinwa Onaolapo, Sustainable Development Manager, Shell Nigeria.

Over 1,000 young graduates applied for the Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria enterprise training programme this year, and following a rigorous selection process 300 candidates participated in an intensive enterprise training programme which enabled them to gain the essential skills required to start and grow a successful business. From these trainees, 50 of the most outstanding business proposals were selected to receive the Shell LiveWIRE grant funding to turn their business idea into a business reality.

In addition, six outstanding entrepreneurs who took part in the 2012 Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria programme each received N200,000 (US $1,200) in recognition of the growth their businesses had achieved over the past year. This latest funding brings Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria’s financial backing for these businesses up to N500,000 (US $3,100) each.

Programme partner, the United Bank for Africa, which delivered a session on small business financing during the Shell LiveWIRE enterprise training programme, will also provide free financial and business advice services to the young entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the presentation, Bolarinwa Onaolapo of Shell Nigeria said, “The knowledge gained through the Shell LiveWIRE programme in Nigeria has helped young entrepreneurs apply new approaches to the day to day running of their businesses. For example, knowing how to evaluate their businesses is enabling them to determine the rate at which their business is growing and if they are making a profit, which is what these young entrepreneurs need to expand and create more employment opportunities for others.”

One of the entrepreneurs rewarded for the growth of his business is Ipalibo Caleb Jim-George who runs a catering services company that has grown from a one person operation to employing 10 staff in two outlets. Highlighting the impact that Shell LiveWIRE has had on his business, Ipalibo said, “I want to thank Shell and the joint venture partners for this funding programme. Thanks to Shell LiveWIRE I have been able to expand my business and achieve my objective of creating more employment.”

Multimedia entrepreneur, Foitengbegha William Wisdom, who employs two staff and two apprentices, is also grateful for the growth opportunities which Shell LiveWIRE funding presents, saying, “The Shell LiveWIRE funding will allow me to grow my business on an international level, thereby creating more employment opportunities for young people in the Niger Delta.”

Since its inception in 2003, Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria has provided 2,748 young people with funding to start and grow their businesses.