Anita Nchat Kevin - Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme
In Her Opportunity Story, Anita Nchat Kevin shares her insights and experiences as a participant of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme. Applications for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme 2025 are open until March 1, 2025. Apply here.
Anita Nchat Kevin
Anita Nchat Kevin is the founder of Amina Dyslexia Center, a social enterprise dedicated to addressing illiteracy caused by dyslexia. The center’s activities include advocating for dyslexia and other neurodiverse conditions, conducting assessments to identify these conditions, and equipping teachers with the necessary skills to enhance the learning abilities of students who experience these challenges.
Anita has extensive education and experience in the field of dyslexia. She received her training as a Dyslexia Practitioner from the Orton-Gillingham Online Academy and holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education.
As an alumna of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and a Vital Voices Visionary, Anita has honed her expertise in identifying business trends, strategic thinking, and meticulous planning. Through these fellowships, she has also gained valuable insights into the importance of gender-inclusive strategies in fostering sustainable development.
Her dedication to driving positive change extends beyond her work at the center. She is an active member of the Rotary World Disabilities Advocacy Club, demonstrating her commitment to creating a lasting impact on a global scale.
Before the Programme
What inspired you to start your organization, the Amina Dyslexia Center and can you share a bit about the journey leading up to your decision to participate in the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme?
During my first year as a teacher, I encountered a remarkably intelligent student who struggled with writing, reading, and comprehension. His challenges reminded me of a relative who had faced similar difficulties. Later, during my National Youth Service, I noticed the same pattern among several children at the school where I was working. Determined to understand and address this issue, I began researching and came across the term dyslexia. From that moment, I made it my mission to support children with dyslexia - something I was unable to do for my relative, who sadly passed away when we were still young.
This deep personal connection and my growing awareness of the urgent need for dyslexia support led me to establish the Amina Dyslexia Center. My journey toward the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme was driven by the desire to expand the center’s impact, ensuring that more children receive the support they need to thrive.
Did you have any fears about applying or challenges during the application process? If yes, what influenced your decision to continue with your application?
Yes, I had my doubts about applying because I initially thought it was just another program that wasn’t truly accessible to everyone, especially for those outside Lagos. There’s often a perception that opportunities like these don’t reach people from Northern Nigeria.
However, my perspective changed when I attended an information session organized by Hauwa Liman and other alumni of the program, all based in Kaduna. Hearing their experiences and seeing firsthand that they had successfully gone through the process reassured me that the program was credible, transparent, and truly inclusive. That gave me the confidence to move forward with my application.
What steps did you take to prepare yourself for the application, considering the competition to land a spot in the program and receive the grant funding?
I applied twice without success, but on my third attempt, I took a more strategic approach. I reviewed past application questions, revisited my notes from the information session I had attended, and sought guidance from David Galadima, one of the organizers of that session.
I carefully waited for the application period, and as soon as the link was released, I filled out the questions promptly. To strengthen my submission, I went back to David, who mentored me through the process, providing valuable insights. This preparation allowed me to submit my application very early - within the first week of the call for applications - which I believe contributed to my success.
Were there any particular skills or knowledge areas you focused on developing before starting your application to make yourself a stronger candidate?
Yes, there were key skills I needed to develop to strengthen my application. One of the most important was storytelling - learning how to clearly and compellingly communicate my journey, the impact of my work, and why my organization deserved support. I realized that a powerful narrative could make a huge difference in helping my application stand out.
Another crucial skill was understanding how to read and interpret my income statement. I knew that financial literacy was essential, not just for the application process but for running a sustainable organization. I took the time to familiarize myself with financial statements, ensuring I could confidently present my organization’s financial health and growth potential.
By improving these skills, I was able to craft a more compelling and well-rounded application, ultimately increasing my chances of success.
What areas of the application process should prospective applicants give utmost attention to?
Prospective applicants should pay close attention to crafting their story because a well-structured narrative makes all the difference. If you can clearly articulate your journey, mission, and impact, your pitch will be concise, compelling, and memorable.
One of the most important aspects of the application is ensuring that your message is communicated explicitly without unnecessary complexity or ambiguity. Judges need to quickly understand what problem you are solving, why it matters, and how your business or initiative creates real impact.
Additionally, applicants should focus on presenting a strong value proposition, demonstrating financial viability, and ensuring their responses align with the core objectives of the program. A well-prepared application not only stands out but also increases the likelihood of securing funding and support.
During the Programme
Getting into the programme must have been amazing. How did you navigate participating in the program alongside other professional commitments, including those at the Centre?
The program provided a strong sense of community, which made balancing my participation alongside my other professional commitments much easier. One of the most valuable aspects for me was the WhatsApp group created for Kaduna participants. This group became a source of constant support. We reminded each other of deadlines, shared insights, and reviewed assignments together.
Having a network of like-minded individuals who were going through the same journey kept me accountable and motivated. It reinforced the idea that I wasn’t navigating the process alone, making it much more manageable despite my responsibilities at the Centre and other professional commitments.
Could you describe your experience as a participant in the program? What were the training and mentorship sessions you received, and what were some of the most valuable lessons you learnt from them?
My experience in the program was incredibly rewarding and insightful. One of the most valuable trainings I received was on writing a business plan. This was particularly impactful because the business plan I developed during the program remains a key resource that I still use today.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) was also the first program that truly helped me understand the importance of business financing, particularly in developing a structured budget. Learning how to allocate resources properly and plan financially gave me a clearer roadmap for sustaining and scaling my business.
Beyond the training, the mentorship sessions were equally transformative. Having access to experienced mentors who provided guidance and constructive feedback helped me refine my business strategy and make informed decisions. The lessons I gained from the program continue to shape the way I approach entrepreneurship and financial planning.
What was the process of getting the seed funding? Was this different from participating in the program, and what were the criteria you had to meet?
The process of receiving the seed funding was closely tied to active participation in the program. After being selected, we underwent intensive training designed to equip us with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage and utilize the funding.
The funding wasn’t just handed out. It was a structured process where participants had to demonstrate a clear understanding of their business model, financial planning, and growth strategy. Meeting the program's requirements, such as completing assignments, submitting a well-developed business plan, and actively engaging in mentorship sessions, were key criteria for eligibility.
Ultimately, the seed funding was not just financial support but an investment in the success and sustainability of our businesses, ensuring we had the right foundation to make a meaningful impact.
Can you share any specific feedback or insights you received in the pitching and seed funding process that have helped improve your organization’s work?
One of the most impactful insights I received during the pitching and seed funding process came from Dr. Sidi Tah of the Arab Bank for Economic Development. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in building a successful and scalable business.
That moment was a turning point for me. I realized that if we wanted to experience exponential growth at the Amina Dyslexia Center, we needed to prioritize strategic partnerships. From the very beginning, we focused on establishing high-quality collaborations to strengthen our program delivery.
Now, five years later, I am incredibly grateful for that insight. Our commitment to building strong partnerships has been a driving force behind our expansion. In fact, we were able to set up in another location primarily because we developed a solid partnership policy that has guided our growth and sustainability.
After the Programme
Upon the completion of the program, how did you utilize the seed capital received to grow your impact at the Amina Dyslexic Center?
After completing the program, we took a structured approach to utilizing the seed capital to maximize our impact at the Amina Dyslexia Center. We began with thorough research to ensure our initiatives were well-informed and aligned with best practices. Next, we focused on developing operational policies to create a strong foundation for the center’s activities.
To ensure financial sustainability, we also built an investment portfolio in mutual funds, allowing us to secure long-term stability while growing our impact. With these key elements in place, we officially launched the Center’s operations, providing much-needed support for children with dyslexia.
How has being a grantee impacted your organization's growth, visibility, and most importantly, impact in the non-profit space?
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) provided us with essential knowledge in business operations and management, which has been instrumental in our growth. Without these foundational skills, I believe the Amina Dyslexia Center would not have thrived as it has.
Beyond financial support, TEF significantly enhanced our organization's visibility. The training and mentorship we received empowered us to build a sustainable model, expand our reach, and create lasting impact in the lives of children with dyslexia.
What advice would you give to future applicants about preparing a strong application for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme?
Give it your all. Take the time to refine your idea and ensure it is clear, compelling, and easy to understand. One of the best ways to test this is by pitching your idea to a child. If they grasp what you're doing, then your message is concise and well-structured. If not, keep working on it until it becomes crystal clear.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek feedback from mentors, past participants, or business professionals. The more clarity and confidence you bring to your application, the stronger your chances of success.
What advice would you give to participating entrepreneurs to maximize the program regardless of whether they eventually receive seed funding or not?
The seed funding is just one aspect of the program. While it's important, the real value lies in the training and mentorship. The business management skills you gain are invaluable for both your personal and professional growth.
Even if you don’t receive the funding, the knowledge, network, and strategic insights you acquire will equip you to build a sustainable and scalable business. Focus on learning, actively engage with the community, and apply the lessons to strengthen your venture. In the long run, these skills will open doors to even greater opportunities.
Resources Utilized
What resources or materials, such as books, online courses, opportunities, or mentors, played a significant role in shaping your entrepreneurship journey and strengthening your application before and after the programme?
I have drawn immense inspiration from leaders such as Tony Elumelu, Richard Branson, Barbara Corcoran, and Dr. Akinwumi Adesina of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Their insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business strategy have played a significant role in shaping my journey.
Beyond following their work, I have also engaged with various resources, including books, online courses, and mentorship opportunities, to strengthen my knowledge and refine my business approach. These learning experiences have been invaluable both in preparing my application and in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship after the program.
Any Other Insights
One of the most profound takeaways from my journey with the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is the power of resilience and continuous learning. Entrepreneurship is not just about securing funding. It’s about developing the right mindset, building meaningful connections, and staying committed to your vision despite challenges.
The program reinforced the importance of adaptability and strategic planning, which have been instrumental in the growth of the Amina Dyslexia Center. It also highlighted the significance of collaboration - learning from fellow entrepreneurs, seeking mentorship, and leveraging available resources to scale impact.
For anyone considering this journey, my advice is to stay open to learning, embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth, and always keep your mission at the heart of everything you do.
Her Opportunity Story spotlights Nigerian women who have landed transformative opportunities and provides detailed insights for other Nigerian women who would be applying for those opportunities.
Previous Edition of Her Opportunity Story: Read Oluwadamilola Akintewe’s journey to becoming a Communications Intern at Salzburg Global here.