Fifteen young Gambian entrepreneurs competed in the second stage of the SOS National Youth Forum Pitching Contest on Saturday. The competition narrowed from fifty original participants during this month-long business development program. SOS Children's Villages The Gambia organized the initiative with Access Bank support under the theme Building Resilience for a Common Future. The program aims to reduce youth migration by teaching practical entrepreneurship skills. Participants presented varied business concepts from sustainable energy to food service ventures.
Contest judges evaluated presentations based on problem clarity, solution effectiveness, market opportunity, and financial planning accuracy. Judge Aisha Ceesay noted that most contestants struggled with financial projections and connecting solutions to identified problems. Organizers enforced stricter fairness measures through random presentation orders and six-minute time limits with one-minute question periods. Eight participants will advance to the grand finale next Saturday before potential investors and key stakeholders. Winners will receive funding support, mentorship opportunities, and business development assistance.
Contest judges evaluated presentations based on problem clarity, solution effectiveness, market opportunity, and financial planning accuracy. Judge Aisha Ceesay noted that most contestants struggled with financial projections and connecting solutions to identified problems. Organizers enforced stricter fairness measures through random presentation orders and six-minute time limits with one-minute question periods. Eight participants will advance to the grand finale next Saturday before potential investors and key stakeholders. Winners will receive funding support, mentorship opportunities, and business development assistance.
