The venture is expected to solve a problem, using a profitable business model. She gives each student a loan of only the equivalent of US$ 40 as seed money to create a business and they are not allowed to add any other funds of their own. Instead, they have to come up with creative ways of either growing their capital or starting the business with that loan. This is intended to prove you can start lean. In addition, they have to return the loan with interest at the end of the semester, to remind them of the time- value of money.
Despite the small seed capital, every year the students end up creating profitable business initiatives that serve the community. An example is the first online furniture store in Nigeria that has significantly grown the businesses of what were before road-side furniture artisans and sellers, who now employ more workers, and everyone is earning better.
Many of the students continue with their business beyond the semester, and the most important lesson is the mindset shift: Understanding that business can be profitable and solve real needs when social sensitivity meets imagination.