As we find ourselves in the last month of the first quarter, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the vibrant start that January and February have brought to Startup Kano. These months were full of activities, setting the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary year. Here’s a look at the highlights that have shaped our journey so far
January
January was indeed a month of collaborative initiatives. The commitments in January set the stage for a year defined by collective growth and knowledge exchange. Here’s a glimpse into what has transpired:
Nigerian Philanthropy Office (NPO) Launch (January 12th)
On January 12th, the Nigerian Philanthropy Office (NPO) was officially launched. This event was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The NPO aims to establish 12 Mega Hubs nationwide, signalling a promising era for startups and small businesses. Startup Kano is proud to be part of this transformative initiative, providing opportunities, tools, and resources for startups and innovators, particularly women-led enterprises.
Entrepreneurship Roundtable at Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) (January 24th)
After the launch of NPO, the next event was a two-hour entrepreneurship roundtable forum hosted by the management of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) on January 24th. The session, aimed at supporting students in their career journeys, brought together seasoned entrepreneurs. Startup Kano was graciously invited to share professional experiences and insights on the entrepreneurial mindset and skillset. The Executive Director, Aisha Tofa, represented the Startup Kano team, contributing valuable perspectives to the entrepreneurial discussion.
Hub Managers Workshop (January 25th-26th)
In January, there was also a dynamic Hub Managers Workshop. This event, held on the 25th and 26th, was meticulously crafted for hub managers and owners. The workshop aimed to provide a collaborative platform and a sustainable framework for advancing hubs. Attendees engaged in knowledge exchange, networking, and discussions, setting the tone for a year of innovation and collaboration within Startup Kano.
Digital Kano Bootcamp (Started on January 31st)
Simultaneously, Startup Kano proudly assumed the role of the official Training Partner for Digital Kano Bootcamp. Launched on January 31st, the goal was to provide essential digital literacy training for 1,500 individuals from the Northern region. This initiative aimed to empower participants, bridging the digital divide and preparing them for the challenges of the digital age.
February
Moving from the amazing happenings in January, February was all about having important talks and getting creative at Startup Kano. We had lots of discussions that set our strategy and also explored the artistic side of things. Let’s take a closer look at what went down in the second month of 2024.
Train the Trainer Workshop for PWDs (February 7th)
On February 7th, Startup Kano organized a transformative “Train the Trainer” workshop dedicated to People with Disabilities (PWDs). The workshop was to empower individuals with disabilities through training opportunities and promote inclusivity across various sectors. This initiative highlighted Startup Kano’s commitment to fostering diversity and creating equal opportunities within the community.
Stakeholder Engagement and Launch of NEW-G (February 13th)
In February, Startup Kano played a pivotal role in a crucial stakeholder roundtable hosted by UNDP Nigeria and the Northern Founders Community. Held on February 13th, this event engaged key players in the innovation space to discuss the state of the Northern ecosystem. Aisha Tofa, Startup Kano’s Executive Director, led the discussions and unveiled the Northern Ecosystem Working Group (NEW-G). This strategic initiative was introduced to catalyze the emergence and growth of the innovation landscape in Northern Nigeria.
SHENi Workshop + Seminar (February 22nd-25th)
Towards the end of February, Salamatu Adamu led a captivating SHENi Workshop + Seminar. This event, held from the 22nd to the 25th, featured a product presentation and photography workshop.
Salamatu Adamu also launched “The Epiphany Magic Book,” a comprehensive guide on product presentation and photography. The workshop not only showcased artistic exploration but also provided practical insights for individuals interested in enhancing their skills in product presentation and photography.
The year is still young, and the journey at Startup Kano is far from over. The exciting initiatives we’ve witnessed in the first quarter are just the beginning. Stay tuned for more events, collaborations, and milestones as we navigate the rest of the year together. Your endless support and contributions fuel our commitment to innovation and growth. Here’s to the adventures yet to unfold and the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. Cheers to a year filled with continued success and meaningful impact!