In a move to bolster grassroots entrepreneurship and promote economic self-reliance, the Dr. Uzor Cares Foundation on Thursday, 3rd July 2025, awarded a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) grant of ₦400,000 to Mr. Chinedu Afamefuna Onyia, a young entrepreneur from Agbaja Umumba in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Mr. Onyia, whose block-making business is located along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway in Umumba Ndiuno, had reached out to the Foundation for financial assistance after taking significant steps to establish his business. In his application, he detailed the progress made—securing a project site, acquiring moulds, and building the operation shed—but noted his inability to raise sufficient capital for full-scale production.
Recognizing both the viability of the project and Onyia’s evident dedication, the Foundation, through its Board of Trustees, approved a ₦400,000 grant to help kick-start operations.
During a brief cheque presentation ceremony, Hon. Mrs. Uche Eze, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, praised Onyia’s determination and reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission to uplift hardworking youth.
“We are proud to support enterprising young people who are not waiting for handouts but are taking bold steps to create value and employment. This is exactly what the SME Grant initiative was created for,” she stated.
An emotional Onyia expressed deep gratitude to the Foundation for believing in his vision:
“This help has changed everything. I was stuck, but now I can begin operations. I’m truly grateful and pray God blesses everyone behind this great initiative,” he said.
This intervention, the Foundation noted, reflects its unwavering commitment to empowering young people and catalyzing sustainable development across rural communities.
“We’re leveraging a network of friendship and goodwill to lift our people,” the Foundation emphasized in its message.
The Dr. Uzor Cares Foundation continues to serve as a beacon of hope for many aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating how targeted support can transform dreams into thriving businesses.
