To support small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Nigeria and help them realise their full potential, SME Scale Up, a prominent program, recently teamed with FirstBank Nigeria to hold a two-day workshop.
The keynote speakers for the August 23–24 workshop included Ziad Maalouf, Managing Director of Seven-Up Bottling Company and SME Scale-Up Visionary; Oyeyimika Adeboye, MD of Mondelez; and Seleem Adegunwa, MD of Rite Foods. A riveted audience of SME owners listened to these industry luminaries as they shared their priceless knowledge and experiences.
The program, “From Seedling to Sequoia,” was a unique and dynamic experience that included thought-provoking talks, lively debates, and useful business simulations. In an intimate setting, participants gained important knowledge and skills to improve their entrepreneurial journeys while immersed in an engaging learning atmosphere.
Among the workshop’s most notable aspects was the implementation of personalised business simulations covering a range of subjects, such as financial management, networking, leadership, and commercial savvy. Through practical experience and the ability to apply lessons learned in real-world circumstances, participants benefited from these simulations.
Seleem Adegunwa, the managing director of Rite Foods, shared the mindset behind the Ritefood innovation story, emphasising that SMEs need to thrive in today’s evolving business landscape and that excellence is a choice that SME owners must embrace. Oyeyimika Adeboye, the managing director of Mondelez West Africa, focused her session on the importance of leadership skills in sustaining growth and development for SMEs.
The goal of the SME Scale Up project, which was conceived by Ziad Maalouf, MD of Seven-Up Bottling Company, is to help Nigerian SME owners grow their companies and support the nation’s economic development. The initiative, which aims to create one million employment in Nigeria by 2035, is supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Rite Foods, Mondelez, Seven-Up Bottling Company, and First Bank through the sharing of tried-and-true entrepreneurship lessons and support.
The workshop was a huge success, and the attendees expressed their sincere gratitude for the insightful advice and useful insights they gained. Participant Aniakor Leonard expressed his excitement by saying: “I just want to appreciate the organisers for an impactful workshop on all of us. I never attended such an inspiring, challenging, and educative program.”
“A very big thank you to the organizers for this timely initiative. You have changed my mindset. I don’t have to remain small,” stated Menopause Support Initiative’s Mosunmola also conveyed her gratitude.
The collaboration between First Bank Nigeria and SME Scale Up according to BrandSpur local news brand, is a big step in the direction of empowering Nigerian SMEs and creating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through facilitating access to information, materials, and networking opportunities, the program is assisting SMEs in realising their full potential and advancing the economic growth of Nigeria.
GM Business Optimisation, Intelligence, and Tech; Bolatito Akiboye, Head of Wholesale Business, FirstBank Nigeria, are among the other industry titans in attendance at the event. Dominion Izedonmi, Segun Ogunleye, and Emeka Anowai, National Head of Sales. GM of Marketing, Bottling Company Seven-Up.
