[vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-7-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#f9f9f9″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]About Us?
[/vc_column_text]
[vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Steps to Sustainable Transformation and Empowerment Foundation (STEPS) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering socioeconomic progress through enterprise development, advocacy, and governance reform. Established as the Support and Training Entrepreneurship Program (STEP) in 2000 by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-sector investment arm of the World Bank Group (WBG), STEPS has been a pioneer in promoting the growth of the informal sector by delivering business knowledge, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial support.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-7-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#f9f9f9″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” delay=”200″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”][/vc_column_text]
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in. 2005,

the organization transitioned to Nigerian leadership, with Harry Udoh taking on the role of Executive Director/CEO. Formally registered in September 2024, the organization’s rebranding to STEPS reflects its renewed commitment to driving transformative change with enhanced effectiveness and efficiency.

Over the years, STEPS has profoundly impacted the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The organization has supported over 16,000 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) across Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Abia states. This support has led to the retention of 28,000 jobs, the creation of 8,000 new employment opportunities, and improved livelihoods for approximately 8,000 families. These interventions have enabled 13,000 children to access education through increased household incomes, underscoring the social ripple effects of STEPS’ efforts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-7-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#f9f9f9″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” delay=”400″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”][/vc_column_text]

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Among. it’s..

groundbreaking initiatives, STEPS launched Nigeria’s first microenterprise-focused radio program, Doing Business Profitably, broadcast in Ibibio and Ibo languages. This innovative program provides practical business management insights, highlights MSE innovations, and fosters entrepreneurial connections across communities.

Beyond training, STEPS bridges the gap between entrepreneurs and microfinance institutions, delivers specialized training for farmers, and strengthens community-based organizations, business groups, and Non-State Actors (NSAs). Expanding its focus, STEPS champions advocacy in Democracy and Governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability in Public Finance Management (PFM), and equitable tax practices.

STEPS’ work is further amplified through strategic partnerships with organizations such as the European Union (EU), USAID, ExxonMobil, Oxfam, and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-7-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#f9f9f9″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” delay=”400″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”][/vc_column_text]

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Notable initiatives includes..

  • The NDDC Credit and Entrepreneurship Development Scheme.
  • The Niger Delta Development Commission/Shell Petroleum Development Company (NDDC/SPDC) Skills Development Training for Rural Women.
  • Strengthening the fish value chain in Akwa Ibom State.
  • Tax justice advocacy programs addressing fairness in natural resource governance and public finance.

 

Through its multifaceted approach to enterprise development and advocacy, STEPS is committed to creating a sustainable future where individuals and communities thrive. By empowering entrepreneurs, enhancing governance, and driving accountability, STEPS remains a catalyst for transformative change in Nigeria and beyond.

 

 

VISION

To foster an equitable, inclusive, and just society where all citizens actively contribute to and equally benefit from its prosperity and development.

 

 

MISSION

To empower and mobilize citizen participation in shaping the decision-making processes of their communities and society, thereby promoting accountability, transparency, and sustainable development for all.

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