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Monday, November 30, 2015

Franchise Opportunity in Nigeria - Spring Meadow Edutainment and Meadow Hall Branchise


A few weeks ago, I got a call from an old friend Moninuade Illuyomade, She wanted me to come and talk to some aspiring entrepreneurs that were looking to take advantage of the Meadow hall franchise. 



I was concerned about the distance and timing, but passion prevailed and I agreed. I was glad I was there because I didn't just get to share my 2 cents on entrepreneurship but I learnt about new opportunities available for investors in Nigeria.

I focused on my top five things you need to know before you jump into business, starting with your "why".

I have a vlog series ongoing on this, if you haven't visited my vlog please click here to watch and subscribe.... thanks! 

Hehe... I was in my element! 



If you have been to Meadow Hall in Lekki, or met the Group CEO, Mrs. Kehinde Nwani, you would immediately feel all the excellence packed into this vision. I was given a tour round the facility and oh my God!! If I wasn't living so far away and of course if I had that plenty school fees money (hehe...Good things don't come cheap, let's face it) I would move my boys there immediately. 

Mrs. Kehinde Nwani, Group MD/CEO
I realized there is so much to gain from having healthy conversations with people, sometimes you catch a revelation that changes your whole life. This is what happened with Mr. Nwani, one minute she is discussing with a friend about expansion plans for meadow hall and her friend says, why don't you consider franchising? That was the aha moment and she dug up her legal notes and launched a full research on the possibilities.

With the current economic situation, running with an existing, tried and tested business model is the way to go! No kidding. No point spending money on trial and error. The franchise model is a win win, where the school gets to expand through you and you gain leverage. Don't get me wrong though, there will be challenges, but many of the basic hurdles will already be eliminated. 

Mrs Moninuade Iluyomade, breaking down the franchise benefits
I promised to share summary of the opportunity to a lot of people, below is an overview of the Meadow Hall Branchise and what it offers;

Cheers

Introduction

Meadow Hall Branchise is a subsidiary of the Meadow Hall Group. The aim of the Company is to manage the business expansion of the group by setting up branches for Meadow Hall School.

Who we are:
  • Meadow Hall Branchise is a subsidiary of Meadow Hall group. 
  • Branchise is a fusion of the words branch & franchise. 
  • Our aim is to create opportunities for our stakeholders.
What We do:
  • We set up branches for Meadow Hall Education, 
  • (A subsidiary of Meadow hall group). 
  • We oversee the franchising of different Meadow Hall Centres. 
  • These Centres are operated and managed by Spring Meadow Edutainment (A subsidiary of Meadow hall group) on behalf of Meadow Hall.
Our Vision:

To build and nurture a network of innovative and creative entrepreneurs who in turn will spread best practices in the education industry while simultaneously creating wealth in the economy.

What is franchising?

This is a relationship between the franchisor (Meadow Hall Branchise) and the franchisee (You) where the franchisor grants the franchisee the right to use a developed concept, including trademarks and brand name, service & marketing methods and the entire business operation model, for a fee.

What we Offer to Prospective Franchisees
 

An Opportunity to:
  • Be associated with a reputable Brand name.
  • Access a quality trademark.
  • Use an established and proven operating system.
  • Operate a successful Business model.
Your success is our success therefore we will provide strong operational, training & Marketing support to our franchisees.

What we offer the children

An opportunity to:
  • Harness their imagination
  • Unleash the endless potentials of their creativity
  • Gain mastery of their skills 
  • Develop their physical & artistic skills to its highest potential. 
Franchise Offering

1. Meadow Hall Music Academy
2. Meadow Hall STEM Centre
3. Meadow Hall Language School
4. Meadow Hall Art Centre
5. Meadow Hall Dance School
6. Special Education Needs Centre
7. Meadow Hall After School Centre
8. Meadow Hall Book Cafe
Selected Territories
Lagos:
  • VGC/Ajah 
  • Victoria Island 
  • Surulere 
  • Ikeja 
  • Gbagada 
  • Anthony/Maryland 
  • Magodo/ Ogudu

Outside Lagos:
  • Abuja 
  • Ibadan 
  • Port Harcourt. 
For further enquiry or registration & application please contact:

t: 0705 119 0415

e: miluyomade@meadowhallbranchise.com

w: www.meadowhallbranchise.com

tw: Meadowhall Branchise@mhallbranchise

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Giggles n Gurgles - Olunike Gbabe #inthespiritofenterprise

Many times, we have ideas but keep procrastinating because we feel we have all the time in the world until we get a sudden jolt and we realize it's now or never. Life is short. Nike was grounded after an incident for months and it was in this moment of helplessness that she realized she had to do something.

Enjoy.....


Tell us about yourself

I am Olunike Gbabe. I am a banker and an entrepreneur, happily married to an awesome man and blessed with two (2) energetic boys. I have a first and second degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife.

Tell us about your business

Giggles n Gurgles is a one-stop shop for all baby needs (feeding items, baby gears etc), clothing, shoes and accessories for children (new-born to age 12). It is a business borne out of passion. We offer convenience, quality and affordability.

Giggles n Gurgles was birthed out of my passion for seeing children looking well groomed without breaking the bank. I started the business in December 2011 from the comfort of my sitting room and today we own a brick & mortar as well as an online store.

I launched the Giggles n Gurgles brand as a result of the difficulty I experienced (and I know other moms also did) in getting a one-stop shop to shop quality and affordable clothing and shoes for my boys.

The passion to start was also fueled by my background knowledge in business which I gained working with my mom when I was growing up.



How did you get funding for your business?

I started very small with savings from my monthly salary.

What opportunities have you been able to leverage on in your business so far?

At the start of the business, I leveraged on relationship with friends within my social circle and colleagues at work and through them I was able to get referrals. Subsequently, our customer service orientation and product quality/affordability have enabled us retain our foundational customers and also attract/ retain new customers.


What was your inspiration for starting this business?

My inspiration to start this business and also keep at it has been God. I say this because HE gave me the inspiration to start when I was home for about 6 months recovering from an accident which made me immobile. Before the incidence of the accident, I had wanted to start a kids clothing business but always procrastinated.

What challenges have you faced so far and how have you been able to overcome them?

Some of the challenges we have faced like most other similar businesses has been the issue of new customers comparing our prices with that of products which are of lesser quality. However, the customers who eventually buy come back with testimonials of the durability and uniqueness of our products and also do repeated business with us.



How will you summarize the journey so far?

The journey thus far has been challenging but also very interesting, seeing the business grow from the confines of my home in December 2011, to opening a brick and mortar store in June 2012 and launching an online store in December 2014. My major joy comes from the positive testimonials from customers who patronize us and also seeing my vision of offering people convenience, durability and affordability in clothing their kids (and making the kids giggle…) come into fruition.

Given the chance, will you do this again?

I would say an emphatic Yes.

What lessons have you been able to learn from your journey so far that others should know?

The major lesson is to commit all ones plans, ideas and ambition totally into God’s hands. He desires that we succeed in our endeavors even more than we do, He has never failed! Also as an entrepreneur, I have learnt to be focused and to combine my passion with tenacity.

I would encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their passion. Whatever factors that cannot stop you from starting cannot stop you from fulfilling your dreams. Start somehow and leave the rest to God.

How can people connect with you?

Our physical store is located at No 2 Ladipo Olukoya Street, Off Oyedele Ogunniyi Street, Anthony Lagos. You can also visit our online store www.giggleskiddies.com.
We are also on facebook: www.facebook.com/gigglesngurgles, on instagram @giggleskiddies. We can also be reached directly via telephone on 08036685443, 08095933933.
Our BBM pin is 7B7DB25C and my Email address is nike_fawole@yahoo.com.

Be rest assured that we have competent hands to attend to you when you reach us on any of the above medium.

Monday, November 23, 2015

APPLY FOR THE ROAD TO WOMEN’S BUSINESS GROWTH PROJECT



The Road to Women’s Business Growth project is a unique initiative which will build the business skills of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

The project aims to increase women’s access to financial services and markets and empower them to grow profitable and sustanable business, ultimately promoting their long-term economic independence.

There is no registration fee. However, please note that participants are requested to cover travel/transportation costs to the project’s training centres located in three cities: Lagos, Abuja or Uyo.

Project Structure

The project will focus on providing support to women entrepreneurs through its two phased approach:
Phase I

500 small business owners will be trained in financial literacy and investment readiness over six (6) weeks, including two classroom workshops and four weeks of e-learning (January – March 2016).
Phase II

100 top performing women entrepreneurs (out of the 500) will receive intensive business support in the form of tailored business training and services and ongoing mentoring over six months (from May 2016).

To be eligible for this program you need to:

1. Own a business in Nigeria.

2. Operate a business in a high-growth sector.

3. Have 3 – 49 staff.

4. Have an annual turnover of N3-20 million.

5. Have English language fluency

6. Have a business which has generated profit for at least 2 years.

7. Have a strong desire and commitment to grow your business.

8. Have basic computer literacy

9. Have a need for additional investment and have had no previous access to formal financial services

Application Process

The deadline for application is 5pm on 10 December 2015. Applications will be evaluated as they arrive, and selections will be made on a rolling basis. Places will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Selection results will be announced in January 2016

APPLY NOW

For questions please contact Lola at Lfalokun@pau.edu.ng or call 08174583173.

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Enterprise Radio celebrates Global entrepreneurship week

On tuesday, 17th November enterprise radio threw her doors open for an open mic session with entrepreneurs. The theme for the event was "building entrepreneurs through information". Those in attendance got a chance to experience the live productions, meet with and take #selfies (you know we love selfies) with the OAPs as well as network with other business owners and aspiring business owners.

The event was to celebrate the global entrepreneurship week, an awareness campaign to sensitize people across the world about entrepreneurship as well as get everyone talking about entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship related issues.



The session opened with an address by Kehinde Adegbulugbe followed by a brief summary of the mission and vision of the station by Kehinde John Olagbenjo (we are a Kehindefull studio, lol).

Kehinde Adegbulugbe

Kehinde Olagbenjo

+Samuel B. Obafemi , Business coach, behavioral change expert and Strategist launched the open mic session with insightful lessons on how to structure your business. First thing he pointed out was how important emotional mastery is, you must know yourself before you can start to serve others, which is what business is really about.

Some of the key points highlighted were

- Document your processes
- Map out your Communication Strategy (how you relate with your customers)
- Ensure all employees are aware of the office culture

Yours truly with Sam Obafemi

Other businesses that participated in the Open Mic Session were, Sanguine Spa, Hurlars kitchen, Ogolicieux cakes and Mr. Olufeso Oladehinbo, a farmer/farm consultant who came in from Odogbolu for the event.

Manager, Sanguine Spa ( currently running a package promo)
http://www.sanguinespahealthandbeauty.com/

CEO, Hurlars Kitchen with OAP Wumy Oduloye

The Kitchen CEO, Wumy with CEO Ogooliceux cakes
08080255300 instagram - @ogoolicieux

CEO, HurlarsKitchen
07080518080 instagram - @hurlarrs_kitchen

Mr. Olufeso Oladehinbo, CEO Western Associates. Poultry & Crops farmer
westonassociates@yahoo.com, 0807 305 3274
It was a day of fun and re-affirmation of Enterprise Radio's commitment to Entrepreneurship development in Nigeria and beyond.

Happy people



So, what did you do to celebrate the entrepreneurship week? What events did you attend? Share your experience.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Ignite Ideas Contest..... Apply now

Will 100,000 make a difference to your business? Is that the amount you need to jumpstart your business? If yes, this is for you. If no, hurry over to the previous post, but think deeply about this first. An over funded business can be as toxic as an under funded business. 

Many times people raise the issue of funding, they complain and blame the banks, the family members that dont assist, the government and so on, then you ask them that critical question, how much do you need? Er.... there you go. So before you go shopping for funds, be clear on exactly how much you need and what you need it for. 






The application for N100,000 interest-free loan for micro, small and medium scale enterprises as well as individuals with a viable business idea is still open.

Apply before the deadline and stand a chance to be one of the 1,100 great business ideas to access an interest free loan of N100,000 powered by Mrs Ibukun Awosika, +FirstBank Nigeria and the Lagos state government. You not only get to win this interest free loan but you also get access to capacity building programs from the Ignite Ideas team led by Mrs Ibukun Awosika.

The loan is not only interest free but comes with a 3 month moratorium after which payment is spread over a period.

Apply at http://www.igniteideas.org

Follow ignite ideas on Twitter: @IgniteContest

Thursday, November 5, 2015

A unique opportunity for Start-Ups!

In Africa as elsewhere, many young people aspire to start their own business and build a brighter future, which is why we’ve created the « Startupper of the year by Total »challenge.



Ideas deserve support, especially great ones. And promising ideas deserve a helping hand.

Google, Facebook, Daily Motion, Twitter, Deezer, Airbnb and other leading names in the 2.0 economy all started as the brainchild of inspired young people. There’s no shortage of startuppers in Africa — iCow(1), Afate 3D Printer(2), CardioPad(3), Obami(4), Sense Ebola Follow up(5) and M-Iouma(6) are already shaking up the continent.

IF YOU’RE CURRENTLY PREPARING A BUSINESS PLAN OR ARE IN THE EARLY STAGES OF CREATING YOUR OWN BUSINESS, YOU’RE ELIGIBLE TO ENTER OUR CHALLENGE!

Total Wants You

Are you under 35 years old? Do you want to create a business or develop one that is less than two years old? Are you a citizen of one of these 34 African countries: Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Reunion, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe?* If so, this challenge is for you!

We’re interested in all your projects, regardless of the type of business or activity, as long as they share the characteristics common to creative start-ups: innovation, competitiveness, growth boosting and job creation.

*The contestant must be a citizen of the country where its application is submitted in order to create or develop its project there. Only one application by contestant is admitted.
ENTER THE CHALLENGE!

Create a profile here to take part.

To enter, create your profile and provide the required information online. To support, justify and illustrate your project, you can attach as many documents as you wish to your application, including:
  • your résumé,
  • your business plan,
  • your financing plan,
  • your partnership strategy,
  • an executive summary,
  • a marketing brochure,
  • your logo,
  • your graphic standards,
  • and/or a photo or video presentation, etc.
Think Global, Act Local

What challenges need to be tackled where you live? How will your innovative project address them? After you show us how, we’ll support those of you who will inspire, create, invest, hire and produce, all to transform "your" world

1 Kenyan start-up. Agricultural information service by mobile phone.
2 Togolese start-up. 3D printers made from discarded electronics.
3 Cameroonian start-up. Touch screen medical tablet designed to save lives.
4 South African start-up. Alternative learning platform.
5 Nigerian start-up. A mobile tool to help contain Ebola.
6 Senegalese start-up. Country’s first online agricultural stock exchange.