The team lead of the Kestin Pondi Business Grant screening committee, Mr. Victor Isereke, has revealed how the beneficiaries of the business grant sponsored by the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, TSSNL, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi, went from 20 to almost double.

Isereke, who is chairman of Veekites Group of Companies, made the revelation in a statement he released to PENGlobal Business captioned "Every Business Deserves A Chance To Win!" on Friday, March 7, 2025.

"When we started the Kestin Pondi Business Grant, the goal was simple—to empower entrepreneurs, fuel dreams, and create opportunities for businesses to thrive," Isereke said.

According to Isereke, the dedication and passion showed by the applicants of the business grant led to the decision to accommodate every one of them that were in attendance.

Earlier, the sponsor, High Chief Pondi, on the day of the award of the grant to the beneficiaries had given a hint to the applicants who had undergone a two-day Business Management and Development training by Barry Wonder International resource organisation at the MBB Hall by Klass Motors, along Refinery Road, Effurun.

"So, I want to beg all of you, if you did not hear your name, don't feel discourage. I believe that miracles do happen and miracle definitely will happen," High Chief Pondi reassured the applicants, who were already tensed and on edge as their names were announced as winners.

Throwing more light on the process of how they emerged, Isereke said, "After reviewing over 9,000 business plans, 40 outstanding entrepreneurs were selected for the final stage. Initially, the plan was to award grants to only 20 winners, but after seeing the passion, potential, and unique stories of every business that made it this far, I thought it wise to increase the number and accommodate all 40 participants.

"Unfortunately, three businesses that initially made it to the top 40 were disqualified as they couldn’t make it down to Warri, Delta State, for the interview, screening, and training. Additionally, there was an unintentional mix-up between M&E Foods and M&E Cuisine, as both businesses had similar names and mistakenly received invitation emails. After proper screening and verification, I decided to award both businesses the ₦5,000,000k grant—because I understand what it means to have a dream and just need the right push.

"I am pleased to announce that 38 businesses have now been officially awarded the ₦5,000,000k grant each to scale and grow their ventures!"

But it does not only end with the provision of the ₦5,000,000k business grant to each of the outstanding entrepreneurs, Isereke revealed.

"Beyond the funding, we have also instituted a dedicated committee to provide these businesses with ongoing guidance, mentorship, and business management support. This is to ensure sustained success, growth, and proper utilization of the funds.

"This grant is more than just financial support; it’s a reminder that no dream is too small, no beginning too humble, and no story unworthy of success. To all the recipients—use this wisely, grow your businesses, and let’s build a better future together," Isereke counseled.

The various 38 business brands include: A Million Foodmart, Abdulrahman Couture, Amaezan Hub & Creations, Autotive Engineering & Innovations, Ayakoro Gbeinbo Ventures, Bennudoh Merchandise & Trading Company, Bubbee Logistics, Cleaner Janitor, Erewor by Preye, Godorra Hub Training, GT’s Place, Lucky Abolo Oil Production, M & E Cake & Cuisine, Marve White Records, Navid Star School, PPG Farms, Risurge Digitals, Sweet Smokey Grills.

Others are Twins Nursing & Maternity Home, Zitu Clothing, ASO Rock Block Industry, Bethwei Beauty Luxe, CPEL - Cedar Plus Logistics Company, Databasics Hub, Everything Kara, Fadda Faddaz Apparel, Foodies Game, Friday Akposeye Chemist Store, Great Minds in Tech Foundation, Havilah’s Hair Haven, Jijiklins, Laundrycity, Leolish Artistry, M&E Foods, Onomzklick, Planet Power International Limited, Ricky Car Care, and Tam Delichops.

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