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Diamonds Do Good Announces Entrepreneurship Grant Winners on Nelson Mandela Day July 18, 2022 (0 comments)
New York, NY--On Monday, Nelson Mandela’s Birthday, the world learned of the winners of the Diamonds Do Good® Entrepreneurship Grants, a $100,000 partnership with United People Global (UPG) to support entrepreneurs in natural diamond producing countries across Africa.
The date was chosen deliberately for the historic connection between Diamonds Do Good and Nelson Mandela, the renowned anti-apartheid activist who served as the first president of South Africa, who urged the founding of the organization over 15 years ago. Diamonds Do Good recognizes the importance of providing access to capital through a small amount of money invested in businesses driven by entrepreneurs. In keeping with its mission of supporting initiatives that develop and empower people in diamond communities worldwide, Diamonds Do Good aims to help build and nurture entrepreneurs that are powering the future of their communities by creating jobs and providing goods and services with a positive impact on their communities.
The Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant provides financial support and business expertise to promising entrepreneurs. The 2022 Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant was won by 10 entrepreneurs from diamond-producing countries in Africa including Botswana, the world’s largest producer of gem quality diamonds, DR Congo, Guinea, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“Diamonds Do Good believes in the strength of community. By supporting entrepreneurs, we are helping shape a sustainable future for all,” said Nancy Orem Lyman. Executive director, Diamonds Do Good.
The largest award of $20,000 was announced by Neo Jane Masisi, First Lady of the Republic of Botswana. Most winners were awarded $5,000 grants with one winning a $10,000 grant and another a $20,000 grant. The entrepreneurs ranged from agriculture to transportation to reforestation – all sustainably impacting their local community.
Over 1,400 entrepreneurs applied for selection into the #UPGBiashara program. Afterward, 20 chosen entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas in “Shark Tank”-type interactions to make their claim for the Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant.
“Entrepreneurs make the world a better place and it is wonderful that the Diamonds Do Good ® Entrepreneurship Grant brings this understanding to life,” said Yemi Babington-Ashaye, president, United People Global.