Awash Bank recognizes 14 entrepreneurs who achieved success in its ‘Tatariwochu’ entrepreneurship competition.
On an event held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the Skylight Hotel, the bank awarded 14 entrepreneurs who got into the finals based on the judge’s selection.
In line with the bank’s commitment to encourage innovation and contribute to the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises, Awash Bank launched the Tatariwochu programme in May 2022. The programme, which lasted for one year, had more than 1265 competitors who featured their work from the registered 7000 entrepreneurs from all over the country.
The competition aimed to encourage and support young entrepreneurs in Ethiopia. The winners were selected based on their innovative business ideas, market potential, and sustainability. The rewards included cash prizes, mentorship opportunities, and access to funding from Awash Bank as well as certificates.
The bank’s CEO, Tsehay Shiferaw expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the entries and emphasized the importance of supporting entrepreneurship in the country.
“The Tatariwochu competition is just one example of the bank’s commitment to promoting economic growth and development in Ethiopia. By investing in young entrepreneurs, Awash Bank is helping to create jobs, stimulate innovation, and drive progress in the local community,” the CEO stated.
As indicated at the event, the goal of the programme was to provide training, business development support, and access to finance for entrepreneurs with innovative and problem-solving business ideas.
The top five winners received cash prizes, equal to; one million birr, seven hundred thousand birr, five hundred thousand birr, three hundred thousand birr, and two hundred thousand birr. Additionally, they were granted up to five million ETB collateral-free loans.
The CEO announced that the competition will continue as part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility.
