ML Foundation seeks funding

By Rosalia David

MUSICIAN Maria Lisa Immanuel popularly known as ML has called on Namibia businesses to support her foundation which aims at elevating aspiring entrepreneurs.

In an interview with Confidente, ML said, “We would like to humbly call on corporates, SMEs and individuals to support our efforts, through pledges in monetary or service based towards the growth of innovative entrepreneurs.”

The ML Foundation -established last year- raises money to fund creative content and innovative social enterprise projects for young Namibians.

“This year, ML Foundation has been hard at work to meet its aim to raise cash sponsorships totaling N$120 000, to be given away in folds of N$10 000 over a 12-month period. The N 000 prize is given away to one lucky entrepreneur named the Masterclass Entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurs pitch their ideas in front of a group of judges in a class and a winner is announced at each masterclass,” she explained.

Towards the end of January, the foundation held its first Masterclass Entrepreneurship session where Johannes Shiwombolo, owner of chemical mixer and SG Cleaning Services, walked away with a cash prize of N$10 000.

According to ML, the sponsorship was made possible by the One Economy Foundation of the Office of the First Lady.

Apart from walking away with N$10 000, Shiwombolo will also get the opportunity to be mentored throughout his entrepreneurial journey in aspects such as accounting, marketing and sales.

Although the first masterclass was already held, ML said it is important for the private sector to jump on board to teach young people on how the economy works as the foundation only provides technical skills.

“Because they are only able to provide technical skills, the ML Foundation has called on private sector players to support their endeavour to more than just educate and teach young people how the economy works but to give seed/ expansionary capital at a minimum value of N$10 000, to support startups that display innovation, scalability and agility,” she noted.

ML said the next masterclass scheduled for February 27 will focus on e-commerce and the digital economy including bringing much needed dialogue to the new continental free trade area agreement and what it means for Namibian entrepreneurs.