Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida

<p>UPDDATES ON ONE OF OUR PROJECTS - BUSINESS GRANTS FOR SINGLE MOTHERS AND WIDOWS (BGSMW) <br><br>This project was borne out of the desire to empower women so they can fend for themselves and their children. It is not just about giving grants; rather, it is about investing in these women towards Empowerment. This project is an annual project that started in 2021. Most single mothers are stigmatized, widows are abandoned but at Outpour of Fragrances Initiative, we want to help them regain their dignity, boost their confidence so they can contribute meaningful to the society and the nation at large. Research has it that women-owned businesses and micro enterprises contribute appropriately 37% to Nigeria's GDP. At OFI, we want these women to be part of this number for possibly increase. BGSMW provides business trainings, financial support and mentoring to single mothers and widows so they can be economically empowered to nurture their children and be self-dependent. The project started with a two-week application window, May 1 to 10, 2026 where applications were requested to be sent to our DM on facebook and/or Instagram. Screening of the applications was done for a week. It was completed and notifications sent out to all applicants. We received 40 applications, 8 were late applications hence 32 women were selected for the trainings. 14 women showed up for a-three weeks trainings. After that, the micro grant will be disbursed to 12 women and mentoring and monitoring is in progress. At OFI, We are about empowering women. We are about empowering nations. We are about making lives better. We are about putting smiles on people's faces. POV: We want to say thank you to all partners especially The Luminary Project for their support towards this project and the organisation as a whole. 2026 BGSMW IN UPDATE IN BRIEF Applications: May 1 to 10 Applications screened: May 11 to 16 Selected applicants were contacted May 16 to 17 Training for three weeks May 18 to June 4 1st session: Introduction and putting your business online 2nd: Entrepreneurship mindset 3rd: Fundamemtals of starting amd scaling business 4th: Fundamemtals of business finance 5th: Investment Readiness- how to pitch 6th: Graduation Micro-grants and data support disbursement June 8 to 17 All beneficiaries who attended the training got data support and certificate of participation. From now till October ending, they will be engaged in mentoring and continuous review sessions. 40 Applications received. 8 came in late Of the 32 we applied within the stated time, 26 were selected based on what they said they would use the grants for. 14 joined the training group. 13 participated in the training. 10 received the grant based on full attendance at all training sessions and submission of assignments. Watch our space for their impact stories as we continue in the mentoring program. The mentoring has started in earnest. First review session June 24 The beneficiaries told us the impact of the trainings and what the funds were used for. They were told to feel free to ask questions they needed from time to time. Thanks to The Luminary Project for assisting us to properly structure this project and for their continued support.</p>