Creating a World of Opportunities
Funmilola started Oppourtunities.com in May 2016 to offer a solution to the high rate of youth unemployment across Africa and to increase access to quality self-development opportunities. With her six years of non-profit experience in organisations such as the FATE Foundation, Young African Leadership Initiative and Makoko Dream Project, she became determined to bridge the gap between opportunity seekers and decent jobs and scholarships. “I was eager to pave the way for young people to access local and international opportunities in a timely manner,” says Funmilola.
Funmilola’s AWEC Story
When Funmilola applied and was accepted to the first AWEC Cohort in 2018, she felt like her dreams had come true. “I wanted to learn how to be an entrepreneur and the AWEC webinars, mentorship and guidance from TAs [Teaching Assistants] were what I needed,” she says.
Throughout the year, Funmilola displayed tenacious engagement in the program and eventually went on to win the ‘AWEC Commitment Award,’ which she credits to her genuine interest in the AWEC network. “I knew that access to the right tools would help me build a platform that matches young people to opportunities and AWEC delivered on these resources for learning.”
Reaching Major Milestones
Funmilola’s vision for Oppourtunities.com has evolved from a blog to a competitive business. “The AWEC program has enabled us to register as a business with the Corporate Affairs Commission, obtain seed funding, earn award nominations and improve the engagement on our website”, she says.
The network she built from the program has helped her grow, and every day she is determined to make a change and increase the number of beneficiaries. “AWEC gave me a family of 200 African women entrepreneurs who hold me accountable to my goals and mentors who provide guidance every step of the way.”
Growing a Business in Nigeria
Since her journey began, Funmilola’s business has seen tremendous growth. “Through the years, we have raised seed capital of $1,500 and grown from 500 to 10,000 monthly visitors,” she says.
Like every business, this has come with its challenges. Running a business with thousands of competitors in a male-dominated space in Nigeria has been both challenging and rewarding. However, her determination, innovation and drive for self-development have helped her stand out as a female entrepreneur.
Playing a Leadership Role in the AWEC Alumnae Network (AAN)
Funmilola’s active participation in the year-long program has extended into the AWEC Alumnae Network (AAN) as she continues to leverage the diversity of expertise in the network. Since becoming an alumna of the program, she has partnered with members of the network to draw up contracts, apply for grants, and teach others about her areas of expertise. This year, she has collaborated with Seun Sangoleye (Baby Grubz) of Cohort 2 as well as Cohort 1 members Funmi Oyatogun (TVP Adventures), Ojuolape Arojo (Apple Cart) and Amaka Onyejianya – Agbakoba (Little Tigers FC).
“I hope to continue to share my growth with the other members of our AWEC family because the wealth of resources on the AAN platform is just as valuable as the information shared during the core program,” Funmilola says.