The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has successfully trained 100 young entrepreneurs in Ibadan, Oyo State, under a three-day business incubator programme designed to transform ideas into viable enterprises.
The programme, themed “From Ideas to Enterprises, Building Businesses that Work,” took place at the American Spaces Nigeria facility in Ibadan.
Participants were equipped with practical skills in business fundamentals, digital economy and revenue models, value proposition, branding, operations and finance, marketing strategies, customer pitching, business communication, and grant positioning.
Grant consultant and Impact Funding Strategist, Mr. Israel Alabi, who spoke on pitching and grant positioning, emphasised the importance of understanding business structure and customer engagement before seeking funding.
“Before you get finance for your business, you must understand the business. You need to know how to structure it, engage customers and meet their expectations,” Alabi advised.
Director of American Corner, Ibadan, Karamat Ajala, said the initiative was targeted at aspiring entrepreneurs seeking clarity and direction in starting and managing successful businesses.
Chief Trade Officer at Impact Hub Ibadan, Mrs. Omowumi Helen Oduyemi, who facilitated sessions on marketing and customer acquisition, noted that the U.S. government-sponsored programme exposed participants to grant opportunities and effective pitching techniques.
Sixteen entrepreneurs were selected to pitch their business ideas before a panel of judges.
Founder and Executive Director of KEA Group, Kemi Irinoye, who handled sessions on branding, business identity, operations and finance, highlighted the knowledge gap among many entrepreneurs and called for sustained government support for small businesses.
At the end of the programme, certificates were awarded to all participants. Mrs. Idorenjin James, founder of a food export service company, emerged winner of the pitching competition.
“I feel excited coming out on top. It has boosted my confidence and reaffirmed my capacity,” James said.
The training underscores the U.S. Mission’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among young Nigerians.
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