Every great dream begins with a dreamer, and at Supportive Pillar Foundation (SPF), we believe that with the right support and platform, dreams can take flight.
This belief was once again brought to life on May 31st, 2025, as we hosted the grand finale of the Eagles’ Nest Business Grant – Edition 2.0. It was a day marked by excitement, inspiration, and transformation as young entrepreneurs gathered to present their ideas and unlock the support they needed to thrive.
A Day of Hope, Passion, and Preparation
The event began on a warm and spirited note, with all eight finalists engaging in light-hearted interaction, reviewing their final pitch decks, and encouraging one another.
These were not just competitors, they were dreamers, doers, and aspiring change-makers. In anticipation, each finalist was granted a moment to be interviewed, where they shared personal stories of how far they had come and what they hoped to achieve if they were granted the ₦500,000 funding opportunity.
We also spoke to one of the judges on the red carpet, who offered valuable insight into what the panel was looking for—originality, scalability, clarity, and above all, passion.
The interviews brought not only excitement but also a sense of community, a reminder that while only a few would emerge as winners, everyone present was already on the path to greatness.
The Final Pitch: Presenting Ideas with Purpose
With excitement building in the air, the event transitioned to its main focus: the final pitch session. One after the other, the eight finalists took center stage to pitch their business ideas before the panel of experienced judges.
The first to present was a young woman with a passion for baking and pastry arts. Her display was a visual and sensory treat. She didn’t come empty-handed—she brought along beautifully packaged small chops and baked goods to give the judges a real taste of her brand. Her attention to detail, branding effort, and creativity set the tone for the day. Her story of resilience, fueled by the desire to grow her pastry business and eventually open a small bakery, deeply moved the room.
Next came a fashion designer, who showcased a series of handcrafted garments. He spoke confidently about his inspiration, business goals, and how he intended to use the grant to purchase industrial sewing equipment and improve production speed. His designs told stories of culture, style, and bold expression.
Another standout presentation came from a bag maker, who brought samples of her custom-made leather bags and accessories. With clear pricing models and a growth strategy centered around expanding into e-commerce, she impressed the judges with her professionalism and passion.
An event planner and decorator was also among the finalists. She passionately spoke about the challenges of starting up in the industry, especially without access to capital or the right tools. Yet, she showed creativity through photos of previous projects, mood boards, and an ambitious plan to build a brand that focuses on affordable yet elegant décor for small events.
The presentations were rich and diverse—each one a window into the heart of a young entrepreneur eager to contribute meaningfully to their community and the economy.
Judges’ Verdict: Excellence Rewarded
As the final pitch was delivered, it was time for the judges to deliberate. The room grew quiet with anticipation. Each judge had taken time to ask thorough, sometimes tough, questions—probing for clarity, accountability, and viability. These weren’t just surface-level presentations; the finalists were challenged to dig deep into how the grant would make a tangible difference in their lives and businesses.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.
Three outstanding winners were announced, each awarded a ₦500,000 business grant to support their entrepreneurial journey. The excitement, the tears, and the cheers were heartfelt and overwhelming. Dreams that once felt distant had just become real.
But at SPF, we believe that everyone who dares to step forward deserves support. That is why the remaining five finalists were also awarded ₦50,000 each, a gesture of encouragement and a reminder that this is just the beginning. The value of their ideas, determination, and hard work was recognized and celebrated.
Beyond the Grant: Empowering Skill Acquisition Graduates
The Eagles’ Nest 2.0 didn’t just end with the competition. Another significant highlight of the event was the empowerment of outstanding students from our 2024 Skills Acquisition Program, particularly those who had completed masterclass training in their respective fields.
These students had shown exemplary performance and commitment throughout their training. As a reward and encouragement, they were each empowered with the tools and equipment necessary to kickstart their businesses. From baking and pastry to event planning, catering, and bag making, four exceptional individuals were celebrated and equipped to walk into entrepreneurship with confidence.
One of them, a graduate from the catering department, could barely contain her excitement as she received a full set of catering tools. “I have dreamt of owning my catering business since I was a teenager,” she said with tears in her eyes. “Today, SPF has given me more than tools—they’ve given me belief in myself.”
These empowerment gifts were not only a recognition of their hard work but also a call to action—to step forward, build, create, and succeed.
Why Eagles’ Nest Matters
In a world where young entrepreneurs often face countless barriers, from a lack of funding to limited mentorship and equipment, Eagles’ Nest exists to bridge the gap. Launched by SPF as an extension of our mission to alleviate poverty and empower lives, the Eagles’ Nest Business Grant offers more than financial support—it provides a platform, a voice, and a path.
We recognize that behind every small business idea is a big dream, and behind every dreamer is a potential job creator, a community changer, and a national builder.
This year’s edition saw growth not just in numbers, but in impact. From the level of creativity to the quality of proposals and pitches, Eagles’ Nest 2.0 showed us that the hunger for success among young Nigerians is real and rising. And SPF is honoured to be part of their story.
Looking Forward: Eagles’ Nest 3.0 on the Horizon
With the success of Seasons 1 and 2 of Eagles’ Nest, we are more committed than ever to building on this momentum. Plans are already underway for Eagles’ Nest 3.0, where we aim to support even more entrepreneurs, reach additional communities, and make a greater impact.
We also plan to expand our skill acquisition program, introduce mentorship schemes for past participants, and create more structured follow-up support for grant winners to ensure sustainability and growth.
To our partners, donors, and volunteers—thank you. Your contributions make all of this possible.
To the finalists—you are the heartbeat of SPF’s vision. Whether you won ₦500,000 or ₦50,000, or were empowered with tools, we believe in you. We will continue to cheer you on and share your stories as you grow.
To every young person reading this with a dream in their heart, your time is coming. Don’t stop dreaming, and don’t stop preparing.
Conclusion: We Rise by Lifting Others
Eagles’ Nest is not just an event; it is a movement. It is a reminder that empowerment is not charity—it is investment. And when we invest in people, we unlock the future.
At Supportive Pillar Foundation, we remain committed to lifting lives, one skill, one grant, one dream at a time. The eagle doesn’t just fly—it soars. And thanks to Eagles’ Nest 2.0, so will many young entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
Please stay connected with us, and let’s keep rising together.
The Supportive Pillar Foundation in Nigeria combats hunger and empowers the underprivileged.
