APPLY NOW: AFRICA STARTUPS CHALLENGE NOW OPEN

Do you want to partner with a global financial services company to accelerate your business?

Then get involved in the Africa Startups Challenge!

Thomson Reuters in partnership with Venture Capital For Africa (VC4A) are launching an initiative to provide a platform for startups to partner with us as you grow your startup into a lucrative business.

The Africa Startups Challenge seeks to find the best new companies coming out of Africa. As a large continent made up of many emerging markets Africa is home to some exciting startups who are able to leverage new technology and new business models to leap-frog the current players. We want to know which startups are important and why.

Thomson Reuters aims to empower Africa’s success by providing government, financial, academic and business solutions that have helped move from aid-based economies to self-sustaining, knowledge-based economies for almost 150 years.

What is in it for you?

• The Challenge will provide you with the opportunity at a potential partnership with a global financial services and professional information company.
• Increase visibility for your startup by being showcased on our global investment platform called Eikon.
• Opportunity to attend the Thomson Reuters Africa Summit 2016.
• Cash prize for the winning startup.

If your startup is in FinTech or related industries, then this is the challenge for you!

Thomson Reuters position as a trusted provider in financial markets makes it attractive for FinTech startups to work with us as a partner. Our answer to the changing environment is an open platform approach – leveraging our depth and breadth, and enabling collaborative partnerships focused on innovation.

This Challenge seeks the most promising startups in Africa. Key areas of focus are the following 10 categories:

• Agri-tech (including land administration)
• Big data analytics
• Blockchain
• Digital government
• Education
• Internet of Things
• Fintech
• Media-tech
• Mobile technology
• Supply chain

Click here to apply now. 

Unreasonable Lab launches in Nigeria, To Prepare Startups For Investment

Unreasonable Ambition: How a movement of entrepreneurship training programs seeks to put a dent on poverty

Boulder, CO –On 6th of June to 10th of June 2016, 25 startups from across Nigeria will gather in Lagos for 5 days, alongside top investors and business mentors for Unreasonable Lab Nigeria, a five-day intensive training program preparing them to raise capital, replete with seasoned entrepreneurs and investors from across Nigeria serving as mentors.

Asked why they wanted to bring Unreasonable Labs to their country, Unreasonable Labs Nigeria’s founding team Olufemi Omotayo, Tito Philips, Jnr. and Michael Olorunninwo said: 

“For the first time in history, we have adopted a market economy. Our ongoing development cannot continue through aid and donation. There’s no other way to address our challenges but through entrepreneurship, innovation, and private sector. And Unreasonable Labs might be the best avenue to addressing these needs.”

“It’s amazing to see entrepreneurs creating companies that can really help a lot of people,” explains Teju Ravilochan, co-founder and CEO of Unreasonable Institute. Unreasonable Institute boasts successful alumni, including:

• Mosaic, the “solar bank” that started as an idea at Unreasonable Institute and now is the largest lender for home solar projects in the United States.
• Eneza, the fastest growing mobile education app in Africa, equipping 650,000 students in Kenya to gain access to tutoring and test prep on $10 phones.
• MANA Nutrition, which has cured over one million kids of severe acute malnutrition through a nutrient-enriched peanut butter.

The results are striking. 93% of the 150 startups in Unreasonable Institute’s portfolio have raised funding totaling over $100 million. And all together, those companies are benefitting 8 million lives.

But to Ravilochan and his team, it wasn’t enough. “We started Unreasonable Institute because we thought the best way to address billion-person problems was by helping entrepreneurs find solutions,” he explains. “But to have any chance of doing that, we need to find thousands of entrepreneurs and get them the people and resources they need to grow.”

Ravilochan noted Unreasonable Institute had one key barrier to scale. “Our model is high touch,” he explains. “Mentors spend a lot of time with our entrepreneurs.” Mentors (experienced business and social/environmental change leaders) each pick one company to work with for 6-12 months. “And we carefully match them based on diagnosing our entrepreneur’s needs and understanding the mentor’s skills.”

“Entrepreneurs get a lot of attention from mentors who come through the program. That’s what makes Unreasonable Institute so valuable for them.” says Ravilochan. “So we weren’t going to be able to maintain the quality of our support and work with a whole lot more entrepreneurs. So we figured, hey, what if we could just teach other people to do what we do?”

Enter Unreasonable Labs. “We packaged up our curriculum and built a way to train teams we think could do what we do,” says Banks Benitez, Vice President of Global Expansion at Unreasonable Institute. “The local teams that we find in new countries to run Labs can then recruit locally-based mentors and funders to support the startups they find.”

In 2015-2016, Unreasonable Institute has equipped 25 Labs in the locations below:






For more information about the #UnreasonableNaija event, kindly visit: www.unreasonableinstitute.org/accelerator/nigeria-2016/

Nigeria Contact:
Email: UnreasonableNG@gmail.com
Phone +234 817 672 8769
Twitter: @UnreasonableNG
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnreasonableNG/

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.

Justfrom5k.com - Ehizokhale Asibor #inthespiritofenterprise

As much as we argue that entrepreneurs are made and not born, there are some people who have it in their DNA. You know, the kinds that were always selling their provisions in boarding school or the ones that skipped class to go try out a new gadget or code, or the ones who organized meet ups and events.

Ehis, is one of those types. I wasn't surprised when I saw that he started this or any of his other ventures despite the fact that he got caught up in the corporate world years back. I met Ehis during a project we were working on with +Adetola Oredope in our final year in Uni, we would all gather at Tola's house and go from design to design, tweaking, adjusting and collating data. It was a time in my life, I would never forget. Our first true test of creation and innovation and although we did not know it then, our first taste of entrepreneurship.

Today, Ehis has launched a new project called justfrom5k.com. I have not doubt in my mind that he can make this work. He shares his story and the idea behind the project with us...

Enjoy!


Tell us about yourself

I am Ehizokhale Asibor, but people mostly call me Ehis.

I have a masters in petroleum engineering and a bachelors in mechanical engineering. My masters was obtained from the University of Houston, while my bachelors was from the University of Benin.

Today, I work as an engineer in the Oil and Gas industry, but I have a strong flair for Technology and startups.

My philosophy in life is based on two quotes.."Aim for the sky so if you must fall, you will land on a roof top" and the second was made by Jack Ma "We will make it because we are young and we never, never give up"

Tell us about your business

Justfrom5k.com was launched in May 2015 and the platform is designed to connect freelancers with people who need them(the freelancers) to run errands, perform tasks or execute projects. Almost any kind of service can be requested for on Justfrom5k.com

Our model is such that anyone can make a request for any kind of service and then multiple freelancers will bid to meet the needs of the request creator.

Here are two links to videos that can shed more light

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7mIBhieseg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2idB8lby24

What was your inspiration for starting this business?

Since 2006 I have lived outside Nigeria. On more than one occasion I had things that I wanted done in Nigeria but I could not do them because I could not find the people to help me. At a stage I started asking why is there no platform where I can just state my needs and find someone to do it for me and that was how I got the inspiration of Justfrom5k.

Initially, I was thinking of basic errands and hence the "5k" but over time, the idea evolved into what it is today.

How did you get funding for your business?

Justfrom5k is mostly funded from personal funds.

I say mostly because I am talking about 98%. The other 2% is from a friend who is interested in buying some equity.

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

Due to my very busy schedule and the fact that I reside outside the country, I have been unable to leverage on the benefits the Nigerian startup environment as at today, but Justfrom5k.com is my third attempt at creating a startup and I am leveraging from all the lessons learnt from the first two.

The first one was done in 2002 and it was a website called campusgist.com, while the second was all4naija and that was in 2011.

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

My biggest challenge today is my unavailability physically on ground in Nigeria. This was the reason all4naija.com failed.

So I learnt from it and decided to build a very different company one were MOST of the work can be done by staffs working from home remotely.

Its still a challenge though, because I cannot leverage on the opportunities that being physically on ground offers.

How will you summarize the journey so far?

So far, given the resources that I have had to work with, I must say its been inspiring.

The level of success we have seen so far is amazing and it tells me that I must just keep pressing forward.

Given the Chance, will you do this again?

YES, YES and YES

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

Don't be afraid to start. Just start!.. You don't need a perfect product to start and until you start, you have not started!

The version of Justfrom5k.com we launched with, did not look half as good as what we have today and a lot of the functionalities we now have were not there at the beginning . But by starting, we learnt what was important and prioritized accordingly.

One unique thing about Justfrom5k.com is the way we handle trust. We have a multi-level verification system - the first of its kind on any online platform in Nigeria.

Our verification system allows us to put real and physical identities behind every name you see on Justfrom5k.com

How can people connect with you

Website: Justfrom5k.com
Email: info@justfrom5k.com
Facebook: facebook.com/justfrom5k
Twitter: twitter.com/justfrom5k
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/justfrom5k-com

Address:

29 Kujore Street,
Off Roju Avenue,

Ojota, Lagos.

YouWin 4 is now Open - What you need to know #strikedanvil

First time I heard about #YouWin was during the second edition. I was skeptical at first but eventually submitted thinking, hey what do I have to lose. Ya geh didna win that one, nor did she win the third either. I got to stage two, went for that whole day training at LBS in Ajah but fell out in stage two... sob sob. Anyway, ya geh ain't giving up! For where. Lol. Not even now when I know so many winners from the different editions. I will just re-strategize and re-package, yes ke!

I was at the NASME (National association of small and medium enterprises) monthly meeting last week, when someone announced that applications for this edition have now opened, to my surprise some people are still of the opinion that is it all a scam. "Is it not government" they said, "they are just giving it to their friends and family" haaaa!! I struggled to close my hanging mouth. I can be skeptical sometimes about government, but if any thing, this is one thing I know that has been free and fair (can't say that much for some other things, still go and get your voters cards by the way).

This week on strike the anvil, I have decided to bring on two past beneficiaries of the #YouWin government grant. Trust me, you want to tune in for this one. Yes! Before you go about discouraging people from applying because its government. You will just be roasting when others are balling. Shio to you. 

So what would you like to know? For starters, I bet you want to ask how they won? What did they write sef (my thoughts, considering I am a serial applicant... hehe). What exactly is the government looking for? How has it been, post N10million!! Hey, you can ask whatever. 

Joining us are  +Modupe Nnebedum and the Marketing manager for  explore afrika who was part of the YouWin process with the founder from the start.

Modupe Olayemi Nnebedum (nee Fagbohun) is an Insurance and Human Resource Expert, Professional Photographer, Fashion Designer, Actress, Peer Educator, Business Woman, Wife and a proud Mother. (o ga ju!!)
She is a graduate of Insurance from Lag os State Polytechnic Ikorodu (LASPOTECH)after which she proceeded to Lagos State University (LASU) where she obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management majoring in Entrepreneurship. Never giving up in developing her skills in management, people and resources, she went on to pursue a Masters in Business Management (MBA) specializing in Human Resources from the same institution and Leadership skills from Daystar Leadership Academy where she bagged the recipient of the +Sam Adeyemi Award for finishing 1st overall in the Academy. Modupe is also a Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN).

She is currently the Chief Responsibility Officer (CRO) of  HARVEN23 VENTURES (H23), a Coconut company based in Lagos. They are into the production of Premium Virgin Coconut Oil, CocoSheaVera, Coconut Milk Soap, Desiccated Coconut, and Coconut Cream. In today contemporary times where eating and living healthy are becoming the major captions of media headlines, it became imperative for Harven23 to provide knowledge through its enlightenment campaign on the genuine benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil.

I have to share the story about how we met, but I'll do that on the show tomorrow :-)

http://exploreafrika.com.ng/

Explore Afrika is an online travel company based in Lagos, Nigeria. They provide clients with a platform to book, Flights, Hotels and Holiday packages over the internet via their website and offline in our offices.

Who else is excited about the show tomorrow? So make it a date with us on enterprise radio tomorrow, Tuesday 2nd of December (still can't believe we're in December) from 9am to 10am. Please interact with us, Call 09090000061, 09090000062 or tweet at us @eradiong with your questions and comments.

Cheers!

Iya-eko - Tola Oredope #inthespiritofenterprise

Tola and I go waay back, it was him who produced my final year CD. Even then, I knew that he would be one to do great things. Of course, he has had his fair share of failed projects, but he keeps going, no matter what. Today, he shares with us his new project.

Enjoy.....

Tell us about yourself

My name is Tola Oredope and I am a your typical regular, just taking one step at a time.

Tell us about your business

Since this is an Entrepreneurial platform, I think I should dissect your question - he he he.

To be sincere, this is not yet a business. Hear me out. I may be wrong, but I see a business as an entity that is trying to execute a well-defined business plan, based on an existing business model. For example, selling sugar is a business; as the business model for selling sugar is well known. Your success in a sugar business is how well you choose to execute the well-known business model. This includes, sourcing the sugar cheaply and selling it at a marked up price while reducing operational costs to maximise profit. Simple. There is nothing new or innovative going on there.

At the moment, I am involved in a startup that has the ability to carry out a wide range of experiments with various business models and pivots for as long as we don’t run out of cash. Investors in early-stage startups are aware of this, so they don’t expect you to make money but to build value. Once you have built value, which is also known as your “value proposition” then you have the chance to experiment with various business models until you can find the best business model for your value proposition. This is when you become a business and your job is to execute your business model flawlessly or else you stand the chance to be eaten up.

Now back to the question, I am very fortunate to be involved in startup developing a platform known as Iya Eko. The whole idea is to build a platform that allows you to discover, collect, manage and share cultural images that inspire you. Think of it as a mashup of Instagram, Pintrest and WeHeartIt. For example, lets assume you are interested in seeing the trending knot wrapper styles at Edo weddings, where do you go to? Its now Iya Eko because we have the largest dedicated collection of not just knot wrapper styles but also of cat-eye makeup, Gele styles, Beads, Sequins Designs, Aso-Oke styles, Wedding Hijabs and lots more that you can just imagine. This is because we currently have over 20,000 images and counting of the Nigerian cultural experience as whole. Hopefully we can start extending our platform to capture the cultural experiences in India, Malaysia, Peru, Uganda and even places like Afghanistan. I believe we can do this and we are working hard to make this happen.

Having launched about only a month ago we have been featured by the local and international press. For example in Nigeria, all top four Nigerian newspapers - Punch, The Guardian, This Day and Vanguard - have featured us. Media outlets in the Middle East, South East Asia, UK and the US have all featured as they see us as the future. But what we have is more than press features because our users also love the platform. I can hear you say “But people lie but numbers don’t lie". So here are the numbers - since launch 4 weeks ago, we have served over 16,000 pages via over 2,500 unique users with each user spending an average of 5 minutes on our website with little to no publicity.

What is the idea behind the name Iya-eko?

We wanted a name that brings together various cultures. For some reason I have been reading about Madam Tinubu of recent who was a well known adversary of the British colonial Government because she believed all cultures differ are made up of the same essence. This was hard to comprehend back then, but she was a visionary that went on to build her own financial empire. Long after her death, her activism was the stage for women like Fumilayo Ransome Kuti and many more Nigerian women that traveled all around preaching that same message - “We are all the same even though we are from different cultures and backgrounds” - This is the simple message of Iya Eko – even though our locations may differ, our cultures are similar and made up of the same essence. This is was Iya Eko stands for and hopefully, this is what we will show to the world.

How did you get into this line of business?

I have always believed in the power of the well-managed crowd. Notice I said, "the well-managed crowd" not just any crowd because too many hands always spoil the soup, if they are not well managed. From the first Chemical Year CD that I created with yours truly as far back as 2001, (I was a part of this! Yaay me) I believed that people need to have choices. Back then, I challenged the notion of "One person One picture" yearbooks that were the norm and asked why can’t one person have 10 pictures, a video, their song of choice and their own profile colour? This was way back when Mark Zuckerberg was still in secondary school and biggest search engine was Altavista. Everyone thought it was a stupid idea and it could not be achieved expect for Sade and her team and the rest is now history.

The same principles lie in the heart of Iya Eko - Why should my online experience of Nigeria be based on what BBC and CNN decides to show me? Cant the ordinary people of Nigeria show me themselves? How can see the trending fashion on the streets of Kano? Why should one fashion editor sitting in lovely air-conditioned office decide who wore the best Gele last weekend? Why can’t you show me all the Geles and let me decide for myself which one is the best? This is why we decided to build the platform.

What are the main challenges you face and how have you overcome them.

I have got millions of challenges but my main one is building an A+ team. I spent my last week speaking to over 22 prospective co-founders and advisors but for some reason I can’t seem to find a perfect match. This is not because, I want too much but it seems like everyone I meet already has a pre-planned agenda or just wants to ride on our current publicity. I really want people that are passionate about the Iya Eko idea and can help in driving it forward.

We are glad that the core platform is working quite well but we still need to work on the UI design, external facing APIs that will allow our users embed their collections on their websites and most importantly finalize our deals with prospective partners. All these require a lot of dedicated time and I don’t mind any help that I can get.

How will you summarize your journey so far?

It’s been hard, very hard. I have experienced the good, the bad and the ugly. A lot of rejections, negative feedback and skepticism but I have no choice, as I have bitten the fruit and I have to carry on. But there are also good times, for example, when I get messages from Nigerians living in Russia saying they spent 3 hours on the website as it their only connection back home or a well known investor from Silicon Valley sees our Quantcast profile and agrees to chat with me. Those times are priceless.

Where do you see Iya-eko in the future?

I see Iya Eko as a platform that inspires people around the world.

Given another chance, will you do this again?

Definitely, Yes!

So what are you waiting for, visit www.iyaeko.com and start sharing. Cheers!

Eniola Raji - Hydrateq #inthespiritofenterprise

Hi guys. I went out yesterday to buy me some cardboard paper! I am in dire need of some motivation. I'm going to write out my goals and God's promises for me boldly and put them around my wall. Sometimes we just have to do unusual things to keep our dreams and vision alive!

We resume our entrepreneur showcases today with a man. Last year had so many women and I could have come across as biased. This year, I will make an effort to balance the gender. 

This is a case of "big things a gwan"! Who says there are no opportunities? Read Eniola Raji's story.

Enjoy........

Tell us about Yourself.

My name is Eniola Raji. I was born on the 8th of January. I’m the 3rd of a family of six children. I’m a Christian, a Nigerian from Ondo state (There's just something about we Ondo people! *dodges stones* haha). I’m married to the most beautiful person I know, Abimbola, and we are blessed with a Son, Jotham.

Tell us about your business.

Hydrateq Interactive Systems Limited is a Pan African Company which provides audacious and innovative Touch and Gesture Technology Solutions, as well as other cutting edge technology solutions. The company specializes in the manufacture of touch systems, having product distribution network currently spanning Africa.

Hydrateq, in partnership with Portuguese based Edigma Group (DisplaxTM), provides turnkey solutions to various industries, businesses and market sectors. We are able to scope, conceptualize, design, deliver and manage global projects and deployments.

The company leverages its skills and competencies with strategic partnerships in deploying cutting-edge solutions in a bid to satisfy our clients’ yearning for increased customer loyalty and satisfaction, reduced operational cost and increased brand visibility.

How did you get into this line of business?

Well, I did not stumble on it. I grew up in a Civil Engineers home who likes to build all sorts of stuff, my father. I grew up knowing how to use different tools for different projects. I learned plumbing, carpentry, welding and all sort of stuffs from my father and his engineers.

I used to design all types of conceptual machines, vehicles, sub-marines, personal carriers and lots of other things. I had this book where I kept all my designs.

In June, 2010, I came across one of my designs in a local newspaper, a flying car designed for the U.S Military built by ATX, an American company. At this time, I was working with a finance company and this made me realize that I was on a wrong boat. I started doing some research and this eventually led to setting up Hydrateq.

What inspired you?

Wow, I would say the beauty and power of technology has always inspired me. I have this unexplainable ability to see how things work, how machines, parts and different things come together to do what they are built to do. I’m also inspired by art. It’s not just the ability of a piece of technology to do what it’s built to do; it’s also the beauty it adds to the environment.

What are the main challenges you face and how have you overcome them?

Challenges are everywhere. Disapproving parents (This seems to come up, repeatedly), harsh business and operating environment, lack of skilled human resource and scarce funds make the top of the list. Every challenge is peculiar in the way you try to manage or solve them. One thing has kept me going; God, and a defiant resolve to remain focused on the vision He has given me.

How will you summarize your journey so far?

My journey has been interesting. It is laden with so many good times and challenging times. But in all, God has been good to me, my family and my business.

Given another chance, will you do this again?

Absolutely, but I will do it better and make less mistakes.

Want to know more? Or know someone who might need these? Contact Hydrateq;

Website - www.hydrateq.com.ng

Twitter - @hydrateq

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Hydrateq

Tootsy Interiors and more - Oluwafunbi Fatore #inthespiritofenterprise

Hello fam! Again today I have two entrepreneurs to showcase, both ladies are "onise owos" crafts women in simple english. They turn fabric into useful products. We'll start with the interior designer cum events planner.

Let her introduce herself and share her story - straight from the horses' mouth!

Enjoy.....

Tell us about yourself

My name is Oluwafunbi Tokunbo Fatore. I am an Insurer by day, interior decorator and events manager by night.

I am happily married with 2 adorable children. My personality is that of a quiet and private person but I am a fun loving person, enjoy shopping a lot and I am a go-getter.

I am the chief responsibility officer of Tootsy Interiors and more services.

Tell us about your business

Tootsy Interiors and more services is an interior decorating and events management outfit. We have been in existence for quite a while now. For our interior decoration arm, we make fitted bedspreads, duvets, throws, furnishings and curtains to various customers’ specifications especially using color preferences.

Our expertise falls in the expanse of rendering consultancy services for clients in assisting to organize their events, manage and coordinate them.


How did you get into this line of business

It all started when a certain wealthy aunt was having a birthday party and we all couldn’t think of something really nice to give her that she doesn’t already have (You for call Trezorlandia naa). It was a great task ahead of us, but later on that day in my room, it just occurred to me that we could give her a bedspread. Not just an ordinary one but a customized bedspread, different from what she could be used to.

Then, we thought of a pattern, and went off to the market, picked a nice fabric, got laces, ribbons and elastic, and then got a tailor to get the exact design we had in mind. On the d-day, we wrapped it beautifully and presented it. Unfortunately, we forgot to put our name on the wrapper.

A week later, when my mum saw her, she asked if she liked the bedspread, and she was like ‘wow’ she liked it, and even laid it on her bed immediately she opened it, but couldn’t find the name of the giver. She asked to know where we bought it from and could bet it cost quite a lot, but proudly my mum made her realize we made it specially for her. She then requested for another one, but that this time, she was willing to pay for it.

Subsequently, for the next set of functions we have had, we made and gave out different sets of bedspreads, and the responses we got were always the same. One day, God just gave me this idea, that we could actually make money out of this concept and that was how we started the interior decoration business.

For the events management and consultancy arm of the outfit, it has always been there right from youth. You see, my mum is a master planner, she has always had her hands full; she was either planning for someone’s engagement, or wedding or birthday or graduation just name it; that was when I picked up the interest. I guess the saying an apple never falls far from the tree is true.

After school, some of my close friends and I decided to form an events company, and I went for training and certification in event management. We planned a couple of events before we all went our separate ways.

Later on naturally, when it was time for my sister’s introduction, I took it as an opportunity to start off. So I was the event planner for the ceremony. I also coordinated my own wedding, which saved me cost and gave me more experience which I used in planning my sisters’ wedding.

What inspires you

My inspiration comes from what I hear, what I can see, my past works, and my intuitions.

When my clients appreciate what we do for them, I am inspired to do more.

What are the main challenges you have faced and how have you overcome them

Unfortunately in the past, we have had clients who could not pay for our services on the onset of the job and still refused to balance off afterwards, this has led to unbalanced books and a lot of debt which has affected our stock and purchase orders. Due to this, we have made decisions to only give credit to those who have been faithful or credit worthy.

Another challenge we faced was delivering by hand through public transport, this brought about a lot of stress until we were able to purchase a utility vehicle for this purpose.

We also faced the challenge of creating awareness for our products and services, but we are currently looking for ways to position ourselves in better ways through mediums like; print media advertising , though we did a couple of that, but we had to stop because it was not bringing in the much expected clients.

Funding to expand is also a challenge. We intend to have our own fabric factory where we can make our own designs and give our clients the opportunity to come in and choose what they want for their homes or offices.

How do you balance your business with your day job

It’s a passion, so after my routine work, when I get home I work sometimes till late to get some things done. When I get urgent orders, I just pass it on to my partner and things get moving, in which of course decisions are coordinated.

Also; I attend to my family needs, and do some work before finally retiring for the day. I also work on the weekends, as they are my main free days and I ensure things are moving on as expected and properly coordinated.

How will you summarise your journey so far

Hmmm, surprisingly tasking because I thought it would be easier at first; but I find it enjoyable as nothing is more fulfilling than going after your passion.

Given another chance, will you do this again

Over and over and over again.

You know you need to change those sheets! Contact Tootsy Interiors;

Call - 08026589268 , 08099000854 

Add - 7B01F026

FB - Tootsy Interiors

Sora Tulip - Hilda Shangotola #inthespiritofenterprise

Market women can lie ehn!! It takes all the patience in the world to deal with them and keep your sanity. The hamper season is here and I am trying to dot my Is and cross my Ts. I haven't started importing these things myself yet because my current volume will not justify the headache and expense - Have you ever tried to deal with our customs or agents here?! Whew, I know a few sour stories. Naa men!

Anyway, so I go to this supplier, identify the bag I need and negotiate a price with her, then I go back to raise the money because when I asked, madam do you have up to 100, she goes aah, o po! O wa ni store. Isokay! I return with the money expecting to pick up my bags in batches, alas! Madam could not even gather 10. What da hell. These things frustrate me. This is why at yesterday's GEW event, I had to disagree with a facilitator who said we should never say no to our customers! Sometimes it is better to say no I don't have or I can't do it than string your customer along only to dash their hopes in the end. It's just plain wrong. Period.

Enough with my ranting. Its #inthespiritofenterprise day!! Whoop whoop! The entrepreneur I am showcasing today has her day job still. I am happy to share this because it'll bring another perspective to entrepreneurship. There is no rigid way or approach to business, while some take the plunge and swim immediately (or sink too), some joggle the ball for as long they need to. Our circumstances differ and we should respect that.

Hilda is a fresh London returnee (i just had to throw that in, and don't ask me why, I don't know, okay). During my chat with her, I was like fresher and she said "you can take the girl out of Naija, but you can't take Naija out of the girl" hahaha. Apparently, she is still very in touch with her base. I know many returnees who had to spend a whole year debriefing and adjusting! I can't blame them. Hilda on the other hand has hit the ground running.

Let's meet her shall we;

Tell us about yourself

My name is Hilda Shangotola and I'm 26 years old. I have a degree in Information Technology from Greenwich London College and I moved back to Nigeria in January 2013 (see what I mean! Less than a year).

What is Sora Tulip about

My business is focused on fruit displays. Fruit displays add color and glamour to an event plus its an edible and a healthy option for guests. Clients can also order fruit displays for loved ones, perhaps to say "I love you","Thank you" and "Congratulations" (That'll be so cute!! or marry me maybe). Fruit displays include fruit bouquet, fruit table, watermelon carving,chocolate covered strawberries, fruit kebabs and the list goes on.

What inspired you to go into this

The name represents my inspiration for the business. The S and O are my late father's initials, while the R and A are my late sister's initials. Tulip is a flower that comes in variety of colors just like fruits!

I am also inspired by the need to stay healthy. We eat too much artificial and processed food (canned etc) and these kind of food have been known to be a contributing factor to cancer and other illnesses due to chemicals used as preservatives. We can never eat too much fruits and vegetables. Infact we should binge on them more often (hmm, wahala dey o).

How has the journey been so far

The journey has been good, just baby steps for now and I have had lots of positive responses and enquiries about what I do and the business has a lot of potential. One or two people have even shown interest in investing in the business.

How do you balance Sora Tulip with your Job

My job comes first, once my work day ends, I resume Sora Tulip. My weekends are also dedicated to the business.

What are the challenges you face

The main challenge is electricity. The use of refrigerators is vital in this line of business and since we live in a country where we have no stable light, it becomes a problem. But I have alternatives on how to get things going regardless.

Where do you see the business in the future

My vision for the business is for it to grow rapidly and become a household name as the to go place for healthy fruit displays and be part of people's memories for many years to come.

Tell me how you can look at this and not give Hild a ring! Quit binging on all those things that make you have to hit the gym desperately, call Sora Tulip;

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/soratulip

Twitter - @soratulip

email - soratulip@gmail.com

BBpin - 7B63e616

The Land Is Green - Kehinde Olagbenjo(co-founder) #inthespiritofenterprise

Our entrepreneur today is more like a "Multi-preneur". You'll understand why I call him this when you read his interview. Kehinde is an octopus. Lol. He also has a lot of experience working with entrepreneurs and so I took the liberty of picking his brain to get some tips for us! So get your notepad and pen and take notes! Hehe.

Enjoy.....

http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ - Another cool site for entrepreneurs and I love this picture!

Tell us about yourself

I am kehinde Olagbenjo co- founder The land is green limited. Associate consultant SME Business Platform and the CEO of 3m Global Resources Limited, an IT and media services firm set up to offer IT and Media services to businesses and individuals with the goal of helping them increase their customer base and sales through cost effective Bulk SMS messaging (www.smsmak.com), Website Design and development ,e-Commerce business www.alaba-intl.com and (www.madeinnaija.com.ng)

We also train SMEs (small, medium enterprise) and We have organised several seminars that have changed businesses positively and published over 20,000 business bulletins.

As a writer I have co-authored the best selling Book -The Land is green for Entrepreneurs. And finally we run a weekly radio program for SMEs (SME Business Platform) on inspiration 92.3Fm every wednesday by 3.30pm.

Last year I won 2 awards by Nigerian Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards As the most outstanding website designer of the year for alabaonline www.alaba-intl.com) and 2012 S.D.E.A (Success Digest Enterprise Award) young entrepreneur of the year.

How did you get into business?

I have been nurturing the dream of owning a business since when I was young. My mother ran a couple of businesses and I also I sold one or two things when I was young and when I got into school to study mass communication I fell in love with a course,  Entrepreneurship development program. Today I am on my own and I have been helping people to run their businesses also.

How did you finance your businesses?

Apart from having my own businesses I am a multi-talented person, I play and direct music productions and from this I was able to raise about N60k for my first book. In 2008 and I raised another N150k through my savings as well as a loan from a friend to register my first business name and start my sms business in 2010

Starting a business is not expensive if you have the right knowledge and relationship.

Having worked with a lot of entrepreneurs, what would you say is their greatest challenge doing business in Nigeria?

From my experience over the years as an SME consultant I have come to understand that money is not the reason many have not launched their business idea, but the lack of determination and skill.
For you to succeed in life you have to start with what you have not with what you don't have. To get anywhere in life, you have to start from somewhere or else you will get to nowhere.

There is always something you can start with in life. The issue with SMEs is that we tend to focus on what we don't have and neglect what we have.

There are many free things around you that you can use to start your business but the question is, how have you been able to identify what you have? Can you use what you have to the advantage of your business? People are afraid to invest in new business ideas so there is a level you have to push your business to before you can begin to attract investors.

Another thing is, lack of quality information and wrong mindset. The way an entrepreneur thinks is different from the way an employee thinks. It will be impossible for you to become an entrepreneur with your employee mindset. You have to think like an entrepreneur. Being a successful banker, manager does not guarantee you that you will succeed as an entrepreneur because most employee think about salary increment, security, strike, public holiday, thank God is Friday and you can’t control a successful business with such mentality.

You have to start thinking as an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs think about ideas, risk, opportunity, freedom, expansion and so on. For you to succeed as an entrepreneur you need to get information on entrepreneurship. 

What will advise would you give to anyone looking to start a business

They need the following;

1. Business idea- and you must understand that there is difference between business idea and business opportunity. It is not every business idea that will lead to business opportunity.
For you to call your business idea a business opportunity you must ask yourself the following questions

A. Will my business idea solve a problem for people?

B. Are people desperate or willing to have my business idea or is my business idea relevant to their needs?

C. Is there a market for my business idea or people willing to buy my solution?

D. Do my target audience have the resources to pay for my business idea?
You need to answer these questions correctly to know if your business idea can be translated into business opportunity.

2. Develop a business plan for your business idea. Organise it in a way that it will be attractive to investors. Nobody will invest in you without a business plan.

3. Start with what you have. Before you will convince people to invest in you they want to see that you have put in something yourself. Use free resources around to promote your business.

4. Develop strong relationship. I have achieved many things in life and business due to quality relationships. There are lot of things you will get for free or at a reduced price if you build strong relationships.

As an entrepreneur you must not only discover, recognise or perceive business ideas, it goes beyond that. As an entrepreneur you are a leader and you must be able to manage what I called six Ms of management in order to run a successful business.

1.Man - (e.g staff, customers, partners etc)
People are key to the success of your business and you must learn how to manage people if you must succeed in life. Even if you have few resources and you know how to manage people you will succeed

2.Machine - depending on your line of business as an entrepreneur you must learn how to manage your equipment very well for you business success.

3.Money- capital for investment. As an entrepreneur you must learn how to manage your fund very well. Lack of money management is one major reason many entrepreneurs fail.

4.Market- this refers to your potential customers, your target audience, your niche market. Your product/service is not for everybody, identify your market and draw a plan on how to get to them.

5.Management –leadership- no business will grow beyond the owner. Show me your leader and I can predict the future of your business. When you grow as a leader your business will grow as well.

6.Method – your style of leadership and your method of running your business.

Kehinde John Olagbenjo
@KOlagbenjo @smebizplatform
www.smebusinessplatformng.com
www.thelandisgreen.com

Chic Carpenter - Padebi Ojomo #inthespiritofenterprise

And we are back with our #inthespiritofenterprise post. Better late than never. Make sure you read this to the very end. Padebi has something for you.

Padebi studied Computer Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, she also has a diploma from the Sheffield School of Interior Designing. Might I add that she was one of the people that inspired me to start wearing my hair natural! #teamnatural, whoop whoop.

The first time I met her and she introduced herself as "chic carpenter" (oh yes, she is a chic, in the actual sense of it), I had to find out more, like what, how, ....? She is one of those lucky ones that knew for sure what they wanted to do upon graduation and had the courage to go for it. We had a chat then, but here's the one we did for your reading pleasure.

Enjoy........

Tell us about yourself

See what I said about her being a chic?!

My name is Padebi Ojomo, I'm first a wife, then a mother. Also an interior designer and a seasoned Carpenter, I've been doing this more or less for about 10 years

Tell us about your business

Chic Carpenter is a firm that specialises in affordable furniture pieces for the low and medium scale income earners. We know that there will always be a need for beautiful furniture pieces in every home. From sofa to beds, to bunks. Wardrobes kitchen storage solutions and even baby beds. Hence we stock a variety of designs of all of the above. And the prices are so affordable, you will not believe it. You could actually get products as low as 5,000 naira in our store.

How did u get into this line of business?

I have a diploma in interior design, and as you may well know furniture making is a key part in interior designing and decorations. I decided to set up a mini furniture factory in 2010, after I realised that 70% of my profit was going back into furniture production. Prior to that time, I usually outsourced all furniture orders to some woodwork specialist, or carpenters.

I also was not in total control of the factors of production and it became increasingly frustrating to keep telling my customers endless tales. So I had to take the bull by the horn, and started out in my own small way. 3 years down the line, its been an awesome experience. Of course there are challenges, but we try to meet them, learn from them, and move on with production and delivery.

How has the experience been working in a male dominated industry?

So far, So good. I usually get this look from people when I tell them "I am a carpenter" I'm very used to that now tho. LOL. As for the gender thing, it has never really been an issue for me or my customers, as far as they're concerned, all they care about is that you deliver. So whether you are male or female doesn't even come into question.

I will love to see more female carpenters in the future though, because women are naturally more creative than men, hence we do have an edge when it comes to furniture design. (I see the men rolling their eyes here, lol)

We are starting out end of year sales shortly and we will be giving 15% discount to readers of this blog!! Yaaay!! See why it pays to be here...

......use this code  SADE10

See you on the other side ;) ;)

Padebi Ojomo

Let's connect
Twitter,IG,Facebook
@chiccarpenta
08092020644,08052020644

What can I say, you've read it, go on check out pictures of Padebi's work on social media and place your orders, with the code of course!!

Revamp Definition - Chinenye Obi-Okoye #inthespiritofenterprise

Hello again. I took time off to relish my new celebrity status, hehe. Enough already yeah? Okay. Still I must state how I appreciate you for taking time out to watch. Especially since there was a match going on. Muchos Gracias my people! Now I gatz to focus on how to translate all those views to money!!

I am giving a shout out on here to Ezim Osai @ezimosai (follow him, it'll be worth your while), he has encouraged me to start a movement. We had this discussion about the mismatch between careers and passion, many who are born to teach are in school studying medicine, those born to be care givers are there studying Business Administration. Not that these cases are lost causes, but we believe Nigeria would be a much better place if people's course of study and activities were aligned with their passion.

Ezim has set the ball rolling in Delta, taking on about 10 schools where he held some sessions. I am still here dragging my feet and thinking about what schools to approach and who to invite to my team. Scatter brain girl that I am. Anyways, I could use some help with this. If you are passionate about making a difference, contact me, let's do this. Please note though, it is not a money making sumtin o, so if you are looking for money, maybe we can partner on other stuff, not this.

Ezim, doing his thing! By the way, he's still a student in UI o! Imagine. 

In other news, my girls, Kike and Rukky are having another  fashion and lifestyle fair, tagged year-end bargain fever! It's this Sunday, November 3rd. I have put the flyer below so you can view and save the date.

Things are looking up. I am getting mails and meeting interesting people everyday now. Yaaay!!

I have a mini dilemma today though. I am going to have to do two posts for the first time. I just met two interesting people, one male and the other female. They both create the most amazing things with ankara fabrics mainly.

Their paths and stories differ, but they are both passionate about what they do. I'll introduce the lady first, hehe (power to the women). So #inthespiritofenterprise let me present to you, Chinenye. She is super funny and she opened up with no forming. I laughed through the interview.

Let me get on with it.

Enjoy......

Tell us about yourself

♏y name is Chinenye Obi-Okoye. I'm graduate of Economics from the University of Nsukka Nigeria. I worked with Fin bank (now known as FCMB) for 4 years before I was kicked out last year. It pained me sha, hehe! Following the acquisition of Fin bank by FCMB, staff were asked to resign and I was among the 1st batch

Money matters! hehe

While working, I didn't have any plans B nor C. So it was a rude shock to be out just like that. I never saw myself doing business, didn't have the energy for all that. (That's what she thought, look at her now! lol)

So I quickly started applying for jobs. When it wasn't forthcoming, I had to arrange ♏y life :)

Tell us about the business

At Revamp Definition, we take our time and lovingly create products using Ankara and other fabric to thrill our customers. The colors are refreshing and you would definitely want to own some of them. We operate an online store and deliver anywhere.

We also run a one-day intensive training session, where we introduce interested people to the rudiments of jewelry and accessories making with ankara.

How did you get into this line of business?
I had always loved fashion (just like most girls, *smiles*). I say that I "stumbled" into what I'm doing now, but better put, God led me into it (I'm now going spiritual on you, lol)

I was walking into the market wen ♏y footwear cut and I asked around for a cobbler. I was directed to one. I shuffled to the man to mend my slippers and saw he was wrapping old shoes using Ankara fabrics. I literally did a "WOW. This was say June last year.

I mended ♏y shoes, watched him wrap some shoes, asked the man questions and told him I would return.

I quickly got home and gisted ♏y sister about it. I think it was two days later that I went back with ♏y old work shoe, ♏y sisters flats and some fabric. That was basically how the business started.

It started with wrapping old shoes. I later enrolled somewhere else and learnt to make the Ankara jewelries and accessories.

The journey so far
The journey has been interesting, very challenging and fun all at the same time! Sometimes though, I just want to quit, but I tell myself that successful businesses didn't make it instantly.

I read a lot and other success stories have encouraged me. ♏y friends and siblings also have been amazing.

It's so challenging to get people to believe in your brand especially when it's "made in naija" but we're slowly getting there. It's gradually getting beta. People are getting more comfortable and confident in us.

Don't let all of this talk be in vain, let's support our own, in the spirit of enterprise!

Call, like, follow, visit and most importantly, BUY!!!!!

08035481200

https://www.facebook.com/RevampDefinition

@che_revamp

Remember, if you would like to be featured in this segment, just mail me at mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com. Cheers guys!

AnQ-àrá - Kennedy Ifedolapo Adetayo #inthespiritofenterprise

So, this is the first time I am showcasing two entrepreneurs on the same day. Couldn't resist. They have both inspired me, I hope they inspire you too.

We've met Chinenye (Er..., so I went and published this one first!! Sorry), next up is Kennedy.

When you speak to Kennedy, you would immediately know that "boys are not smiling" lol!! He means business. More importantly, he enjoys what he does. Plus, just like Chinenye, he too has a sense of humor. I am beginning to think, for you to survive the business terrain in Nigeria, you do need a sense of humor.

I had to ask about his brand name, because it's really different  with a bit of vava-voom (whatever that means, lol) and he had a whole epistle to roll out about it! Lol.

Let's meet Kennedy.

Enjoy.....

Tell us about yourself

Been asked this question too many times in interviews, anyways my names are Kennedy Ifedolapo Adetayo, a graduate of the federal university of agriculture, abeokuta. I'm a native of Ogun state, first of three children and I love fashion like I love food(I do love good food a lot) - Men! *rolling eyes*

How did you get into this?

I'm used to hearing people say "I started from the bottom,now I'm here",well for me it started as a hobby back then in school, ruined all the good clothes my uncle and aunt abroad sent to me all in the name of 'customizing' it, then I got better and others could trust me with their clothes and by the time I was in final year, I was getting jobs from various departments to make their polos.

After school and during NYSC(which I served in ibadan, Oyo State), I lived close to the famous gbagi market and I was wondering how I could incorporate ankara and other african attires into my clothing line, I spoke with few friends and they immediately ruled out the possibility...just what I needed to hear to try it out! And that was how AnQ-àrá was born.

What does the name mean?

Despite its synonimity with the fabric ankara, AnQ-àrá's name did not come from it,well imbibed in the name is the word 'ara' which means different things in different languages, here are some;

Ara-Body (yoruba)
AnQ-àrá's objective is to find,make and/or manufacture fashion ideas and clothing for all body sizes.

Ara-Thunder(yoruba)
AnQ-àrá is a force,one that must be reckoned with in the fashion business,not to be feared but respected across the world

Ara-People(yoruba)
AnQ-àrá is a community of vibrant youths who wants to make a difference,we imbibe former students of our training academy as well as artisans(e.g cobblers,tailors etc) all good at what they do.

Ara-Wonder(yoruba)
AnQ-àrá's designs wold never cease to amaze you with unique designs and blend of colour never before imagined.

This man can ankaralize anytin!

The Journey

To me, the journey has just started but so far I'd call it bitter-sweet (like that taste you get from half ripe agbalumo you have rubbed on the wall for about five minutes), besides a caring mum yelling that I get a real job to friends that want to invest in my business and control 70% stake to sitting down with cobblers and tailors so they won't ditch your work to delivering one sandal to agbara to female friends asking for freebies (hahahaha!!!) to people calling you gay for making female clothings but in all, I see noting but a new challenge to be conquered. Its been wonder-fun this far and I pray it will be better!

Where do you see AnQ-àrá in the future

Lining up models in fashion weeks in new york,tokyo,london and berlin, having a 6-acre factory set up somewhere in ogun state,being a household name in africa and beyond and partnering with multinationals to push boundaries.

Given another chance, what would you trade this for?

Oh yes, the only thing I'd trade AnQ-àrá for in another life is being at the pearly gates sorting out Nigerians whether they go to heaven or hell(but we both know that won't happen, hehe).

You know how we do! Go and follow, like, call and above all BUY!!

AnQ-àrá | African ethics.....World class designs
Email: anqara1@mtnnigeria.blackberry.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/anqarabytharev
Instagram: @4Qhen #anqara
Twitter: @4Qhen @AnQ_ara

pin:27827DF2

#: 08059848080, 08020999288

Africanah Cool!

Remember, if you would like to be featured in this segment, just mail me at mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com. Cheers guys!