BUSINESS • COMMUNITY • IMPACT
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Total Energies Gives Rise To Young Entrepreneurs By Bakang Tiro
W
hile the world is battling with the escalation of global fuel prices, Total Energies Botswana; a pioneer in oil and gas supply, has continued to demonstrate its commitment to supporting socio-economic development in the country. The energy company is committed to strengthening local youth entrepreneurs by supporting innovative business projects through its flagship initiative, Total Energies Start-Upper Challenge. These strides made by Total Energies, which is taking charge in assisting with supporting and promoting initiatives that aren't only online, contribute to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), also ultimately go a long way in improving the livelihoods of young Batswana. Total Energies Start-Upper The Start-Upper Challenge is a program established and launched by Total Energies in 2015. The program
implores young African talent across the continent to submit innovative project proposals detailing why their projects should receive funding from the organization and how their projects will impact the communities they operate in. During the 3rd edition of the Challenge Awards held in May 2022, three winners of the categories of Best Creation Project, Best Start-Up under three years, and Best Female each received P100, 000. 00 as well as coaching and mentoring from Total Energies. This year the challenge received a total of 13,885 applications from 32 African nations. It is open to all individuals under 35 years of age who own a start-up or business under three years old. Total Energies Start-Upper of the Year is a unique opportunity for start-ups and entrepreneurs to get coaching and financial support; it is a commendable effort by Total Energies for the promotion of citizen entrepreneurship and business linkages in Botswana. A particular revered category newly introduced by the
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