The Ministry of Youth and Sports Launches Small-Scale Grants for Market Vendors in Montserrado Under National Youth Pathway Program
The Ministry of Youth and Sports Launches Small-Scale Grants for Market Vendors in Montserrado Under National Youth Pathway Program
The Ministry of Youth and Sports officially launched its Small-Scale Grants for Market Vendors in Montserrado, providing financial assistance to young Liberians engaged in small businesses and informal economic activities across the country.
Officially launching the Small-Scale Grants, Minister of Youth and Sports, Atty. Cornelia W. Kruah, reflected on the Ministry’s recent youth employment interventions, particularly the Cadet and Vacation Jobs Programs, noting that the Ministry initially faced skepticism from some young people who believed beneficiaries had already been selected.
She said the situation changed when the Ministry opened the application process, resulting in an overwhelming response from young Liberians.
According to Minister Kruah, the strong participation demonstrated that young Liberians are willing and ready to take advantage of opportunities provided by the government when such opportunities are made accessible, transparent, and inclusive.
Minister Kruah praised beneficiaries of the Ministry’s community service and vacation jobs programs for their commitment to cleaning and improving their communities, describing them as good ambassadors of the Ministry and examples of young people finding dignity in serving their country.
She said their commitment has also helped create opportunities for other young people, noting that similar community-service initiatives are now being implemented through other government programs.
The Minister encouraged beneficiaries of the Small-Scale Grants to remain connected with the Ministry, explaining that MYS is maintaining a database of beneficiaries to facilitate communication and provide information about future opportunities.
Minister Kruah particularly applauded young people with disabilities who applied for the program, stressing the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities are meaningfully included in government-supported economic empowerment initiatives.
She said the Ministry is committed to ensuring that young people with disabilities benefit from the program and urged all beneficiaries to invest their grants wisely and turn the support into success stories that could justify the expansion of similar initiatives.
Minister Kruah also expressed appreciation to the Liberia Maritime Authority (LMA) for its continued partnership with the Ministry and its commitment to supporting young Liberians.
She recalled the support provided by the Liberia Maritime Authority during the Ministry’s first 100 days in office, including assistance toward the nationwide county tour. At the conclusion of the Ministry’s first 100 days, she noted, the Maritime Authority was recognized as the Youth Champion for its support.
The Minister further disclosed that the Ministry has completed a concept note for the resumption of its Beach and Waterway Project, which will move beyond traditional beach-cleaning activities to incorporate environmental protection and recycling.
She called on the Liberia Maritime Authority to partner with the Ministry in championing the initiative and mobilizing additional support for young Liberians through the renewed project.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Desire Sattia, Deputy Chief of Finance at the Liberia Maritime Authority, commended the Government of Liberia and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for creating opportunities that enable young Liberians to improve their livelihoods.
Hon. Sattia said the launch was not simply about providing money to beneficiaries, but about creating opportunities that could empower ordinary Liberians to strengthen their livelihoods and contribute to the national economy.
He described the National Youth Pathway Program (NYPP) as a major youth development initiative of the Government of Liberia for the 2026 fiscal year and said it forms part of the government’s broader development agenda for 2025–2029.
According to Hon. Sattia, the program is designed to reach more than 60,000 young Liberians across all 15 counties, with a focus on economic empowerment, education and skills development, employment and transition, as well as social inclusion and governance.
He explained that the Small-Scale Grants for Market Vendors constitute one component of the broader program, with 200 individuals selected to receive LRD 30,000 each to strengthen and expand their businesses.
Hon. Sattia further reaffirmed the Liberia Maritime Authority’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to support initiatives that create sustainable economic opportunities for young people.
Providing an overview of the Small-Scale Grants, Samuel James Kpator, Director of Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, explained that the grant program was designed specifically to reach small-scale entrepreneurs who often lack access to formal financing.
Director Kpator said the initiative is part of the Ministry’s effort to change the perception that government opportunities are accessible only to people with connections.
He said Minister Kruah came to the Ministry with a vision of “no more business as usual,” adding that the Small-Scale Grants program reflects that vision by deliberately targeting people operating small businesses within their communities.
He noted that sustainable businesses do not necessarily require large amounts of capital at the outset, stressing that many successful enterprises begin with small investments that can gradually grow.
The Director clarified that the funds provided under the initiative are grants, not loans, meaning beneficiaries are not required to repay them. However, he cautioned that receiving a grant does not remove beneficiaries’ responsibility to use the funds appropriately and account for how the resources are invested.
He said the Ministry does not intend to provide financial support and leave beneficiaries on their own, but will seek to provide guidance and follow-up to help them make productive and sustainable use of the resources.
Also speaking at the launch, Mr. Abbas Lakis of the Liberia Business Association (LBA) welcomed the initiative and encouraged beneficiaries to recognize themselves as important participants in Liberia’s business community.
Lakis introduced the Liberia Business Association as an institution established to represent and advocate for Liberian businesses and entrepreneurs.
He disclosed that the Association has also launched a Business Formalization Project, targeting young men and women engaged in small businesses and services who may not yet be formally registered with the government.
He stressed the importance of follow-up and mentorship after young people receive financial assistance, noting that providing funding without continued support can limit the sustainability of youth entrepreneurship programs.
Lakis referenced his experience with previous youth initiatives in which beneficiaries received training and financial support but lacked adequate follow-up afterward.
He argued that young entrepreneurs need guidance and continued support before they can confidently and independently navigate the business environment. He therefore welcomed initiatives that encourage young Liberians to develop entrepreneurial skills, establish businesses, and become active contributors to the national economy.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports said the Small-Scale Grants for Market Vendors are intended to help beneficiaries strengthen their businesses, increase household and individual incomes, create employment opportunities, and contribute to economic growth within their communities.
The Small-Scale Grants for Market Vendors initiative forms part of the Government of Liberia’s National Youth Pathway Program (NYPP), a major youth development intervention aimed at expanding opportunities for young people through economic empowerment, education and skills development, employment and workforce transition, as well as social inclusion and effective participation in governance.
The Ministry urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and transform the financial support into sustainable businesses and measurable success stories.
The Small-Scale Grants for Market vendors initiative represents another step in the Ministry’s broader effort to move beyond traditional youth programming toward practical economic empowerment, skills development, employment creation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive participation in Liberia’s national development.
