By Temiteo Okwakol
The Ateker Young Entrepreneurs Symposium 2025 has launched an ambitious initiative to create 25,000 new enterprises in the Ateker region over the next five years. This bold vision aims to address the region’s unemployment challenges by empowering young people to start their own businesses and contribute to the local economy.
Scheduled for January 25, 2025, the symposium will bring together hundreds of young entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers to discuss strategies for fostering economic growth and job creation in the Ateker community. The event will feature motivational talks, practical workshops, and networking opportunities, providing young people with the skills, inspiration, and resources needed to become successful entrepreneurs.
Key Highlights of the Symposium:
Ateker Business Forum: A platform for entrepreneurs to access training, mentorship, and financial support.
-Health and Well-being: Free HIV testing services will be offered to participants, emphasizing the importance of a healthy entrepreneur.
-Corporate Support: Partners like Sparrow Hotel Soflyv hotel Teso media houses and online bloggers/sites have pledged support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of community development and creativity in business.
George William Okoit, CEO of Teso Textiles and Executive Director of Lu’ateker Concepts, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating sustainable economic growth in the region. “Entrepreneurship is the key to economic empowerment, and we must give our youth the tools to succeed,” Okoit said.
Isaac Esaru, Program Coordinator at Lu’ateker Concepts, highlighted the significance of the Ateker Business Forum, which will provide entrepreneurs with access to training, mentorship, and financial support. “We are creating a platform where entrepreneurs can come together, share knowledge, and receive the support they need to grow their businesses,” Esaru said. “This forum will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goal of creating 25,000 enterprises in the next five years.”
In addition to the business-focused sessions, the symposium will also address health and well-being. Abdallah Ochogiah, Communications Specialist at the AIDS Information Centre, urged the community to prioritize their health and well-being, noting that the Soroti district has been identified as one of the areas with high rates of HIV infection. “We believe that a healthy entrepreneur is a successful entrepreneur,” Ochogiah said. “In summary, we are calling upon the community to:
– Take advantage of the free HIV testing services offered during the symposium
– Prioritize their health and well-being
– Be vigilant about HIV/AIDS and take steps to prevent infection
– Support efforts to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Soroti district
By working together, we can create a healthier and more prosperous community for all.”
The symposium has received support from local leaders, financial institutions, and the private sector, with a call to action to create an environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive. With a bold vision of creating 25,000 enterprises over the next five years, the symposium marks the beginning of a new era for Ateker’s youth.