Programmes – Page 3 – Startup Kano

The Business Networking Forum and Trade Fair 2024, Yola, Nigeria

In an effort to catalyze investment and stimulate regional development, the Business Networking Forum and Trade Fair 2024 took place in Yola, Nigeria, on May 16-17. Under the Feed the Future Initiative, the U.S. government’s global hunger and food security program, this event focused on the theme “Reaching the Last Mile with Quality Product and Services, Strengthen Market Systems Resilience and Enhance Sustainable Economy in the Northeast.” The forum brought together key stakeholders from various sectors to discuss, network, and explore opportunities for sustainable growth and development in the region. We, at Startup Kano, were honored to be invited as partners, with our HR representative, Yomi Sani Ibrahim, attending the forum. Day 1: Setting the Stage for Development The first day of the forum was held at the Conference Hall of Muna Hotels in Yola. The event commenced with the national anthem and national prayers, setting a tone of unity and purpose. This was followed by a climate-setting session, aimed at preparing the attendees for the discussions ahead. A welcome address was delivered by the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) of the Regional Resilience Alliance (RRA), who provided an insightful overview of RRA’s approach to fostering resilience and sustainable development in Northeast Nigeria. The keynote address was given by Gafai Yunusa, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Adamawa State Agribusiness Support Programme (ADAS-P). Yunusa’s speech highlighted the critical role of agribusiness in regional development and the potential for transformative growth through strategic investments and partnerships. Sharing Experiences and Learning The session on sharing experiences and learning was particularly enlightening. Private sector partners presented case studies showcasing the successful implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), inclusive business models, and nutrition-focused initiatives. These presentations demonstrated the tangible benefits of innovative approaches in enhancing resilience and driving economic growth at the community level. this was followed by a crucial policy presentation on the ease of doing business in Northeast Nigeria provided valuable insights into the regulatory and business environment of the region. After which a presentation from RRA on lessons learned regarding private sector investment in Northeast Nigeria was delivered. The discussion underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and highlighted strategies for overcoming common challenges faced by investors in the region. Day 2: Networking and Exhibition The second day of the forum was dedicated to exhibition, fairs, and networking, providing a platform for stakeholders to showcase their products and services, exchange ideas, and forge new business linkages. This precious day began with another welcome address by the RRA DCOP, setting the stage for a day of dynamic interactions and opportunities for collaboration. Exhibitions and Networking The exhibition segment featured a diverse array of products and services from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the Northeast marketplace. This was an excellent opportunity for businesses to gain market exposure and for attendees to witness the vast potential of the region’s marketplace. Furthermore, there was a key highlight of the day was the session on standardization and product quality expectations. This discussion emphasized the importance of adhering to quality standards to enhance marketability and competitiveness. The session provided practical insights into how businesses can meet these standards and leverage them to gain a competitive edge. Reflections and Takeaways Our participation in the Business Networking Forum and Trade Fair 2024 was a rewarding experience. The event not only validated the potential of RRA-supported business models but also identified numerous opportunities for scaling private sector investments sustainably. The emphasis on creating business linkages and promoting market exposure was particularly beneficial, fostering increased collaboration among stakeholders. Yomi Sani Ibrahim, representing Startup Kano, engaged with various partners and stakeholders, exchanging ideas and exploring potential collaborations. The insights gained from the event will undoubtedly inform our strategies and initiatives as we continue to support and empower startups and businesses in Kano and beyond. The Business Networking Forum and Trade Fair 2024 was a resounding success, offering a platform for meaningful dialogue, learning, and networking. As we move forward, we are excited about the prospects of leveraging these insights and connections to drive sustainable economic growth and resilience in the Northeast and across Nigeria.

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SIDP Policy Dialogue – Bridging the Digital Divide: A Step Towards Inclusive Digital Future

Programmes / admin

The British Council in collaboration with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) organized a policy dialogue of the Skills for Inclusive Digital Participation (SIDP) Programme. The event took place on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Kano state, Nigeria. We at Startup Kano were honored to be invited as one of the only two implementing partners of the programme from phase 1 to phase 3. The theme of the dialogue, “Bridging the Digital Divide: Towards an Inclusive Digital Future for All,” resonated deeply with our mission at Startup Kano. The SIDP project, funded by the FCDO and implemented in Indonesia, Kenya, and Nigeria, aims to empower underserved communities by enhancing their digital literacy. Specifically, it addresses the challenges of digital inclusion and aims to provide access to educational and other opportunities, especially for youth, women, and People Living with Disability (PLWD). The event brought together esteemed guests, including the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Kano State, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, KSMOE, and the Secretary to the State Government, Kano state, Nigeria. Their presence underscored the importance of government support in driving initiatives for inclusive digital participation. Mrs. Oluseye Igbafe, serving as the facilitator and also a ELT, emphasized the transformative potential of technology in her address: “As we keep on with this transformative journey towards inclusive digital participation, it’s essential to recognize the profound impact technology can have on our lives. With each step we take, let us remember that technology has the power to bridge socioeconomic divides, create opportunities for all, and ultimately, pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.” Lucy Pearson, who happens to be the Country Director of British Council Nigeria, highlighted the importance of collaboration and showed how we can harness the transformative potential of digital technology by working together. In her speech, she said that “The Phase 1, 2, and 3 of the SIDP have been an absolute success. A large number of individuals in several local government areas have strongly benefited from this program. We will continue to stand hand in hand with governments and communities. Together, we have the opportunity to harness the transformative potential of digital technology, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution. By fostering collaboration and embracing innovation, we can create a society where women, youth and PLWD have equal access to the opportunities afforded by the digital age.” Midway in the programme, Gladys Gatiba, SIDP Programme Manager at British Council Kenya, joined the dialogue via Google Meet, providing an overview of the project’s progress and impact. “Through the collaborative efforts of the SIDP Programme, we have opened doors of opportunity for thousands of individuals. From the beginning of the SIDP project till date, we have been able to cover 15 local governments. 4,100 beneficiaries benefitted from basic, 1,694 beneficiares did intermediate and we’ve reached over 10,000 people in participating countries. From teaching basic to intermediate digital skills, our aim goes beyond closing the digital divide; we strive to build bridges that lead to a future where everyone can flourish in the digital age. By empowering communities, fostering innovation, and embracing inclusivity, we are laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous society.” The SSA ICT to the Kano State governor shared a goodwill message, expressing the state government’s commitment to boosting digital literacy initiatives: “In our unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter tomorrow, it’s imperative to recognize that digital literacy is not merely a skill but a catalyst for empowerment and progress. As we forge ahead, the Kano State government reaffirms its commitment to empowering our youth through initiatives that promote digital inclusion. By partnering with the likes of the British Council and equipping them with the necessary skills and resources, we can pave the way for a future where every individual can thrive in the digital landscape.” The dialogue concluded with a renewed sense of commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards bridging the digital divide and creating a more inclusive digital future for all.

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SHENi – Empowering Women-led SMEs – Kano

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In today’s digital age, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a tough time creating content that resonates with their target audience. They lack the specialized skills needed to craft compelling content. As a result, they often find themselves struggling in the competitive digital ecosystem, where captivating content is key to capturing attention and driving engagement. As the challenges of content creation persist for SMEs, it becomes increasingly evident that innovative solutions are needed to level up their playing field. From February 24th to 26th, 2024, the SHENi workshop unfolded. Led by Salamatu Adamu, CEO of Sals Epiphany Studio, in collaboration with Startup Kano and others, this project aimed to empower women-led small businesses with crucial skills of visual presentation, product photography, and effective content creation. “SHENi” symbolizes the project’s essence, representing the ‘She Commerce Nigeria Initiative.’ Before jumping into the SHENi workshop, let’s grasp some of the significance of visual presentation, product photography, and effective content creation. Visual Presentation: First Impressions: Visual elements are often the first things potential customers notice. A well-crafted visual presentation can create a positive and memorable first impression. Brand Identity: Consistent visual presentation reinforces brand identity. It helps customers recognize and remember a brand amidst the vast array of options. Communication: Visuals can convey complex messages quickly and effectively, making it easier for the audience to understand the essence of a product or service. Product Photography: Showcasing Products: High-quality product photography allows businesses to showcase their offerings in the best light, providing customers with a clear view of what they can expect. Building Trust: Professional product photos instill confidence in potential buyers. When customers can see products clearly, they are more likely to trust the business and make a purchase. Elevating Brand Perception: Exceptional product photography contributes to the overall perception of a brand. It reflects a commitment to quality and attention to detail. Effective Content Creation: Engagement: Content that is well-crafted and engaging captures the audience’s attention and encourages them to spend more time interacting with a brand. Educating Consumers: Content can serve as a valuable tool for educating consumers about products or services. It helps in highlighting unique selling points and features. SEO and Visibility: Search engines favor high-quality, relevant content. Effective content creation can improve a website’s search engine ranking, leading to increased visibility and Traffic Mastering these skills is vital for businesses, shaping how they present themselves and connect with their audience. The three-day workshop was full of insightful discussions and practical learning experiences. Day 1 focused on the general concept of branding, where participants delved into understanding brand identity, values, and storytelling, with hands-on exercises using Canva to create visual elements. Day 2 explored the art and science of photography, covering various techniques and principles to capture compelling images. Day 3 Day was all about product photography, providing participants with the skills to showcase products effectively through photography. Below are the shots made by the beneficiaries. It was truly a wonderful experience, full of interactions and opportunities for creative exploration SHENi Seminar The three-day workshop was followed by a seminar on the 27th of February. Invited among the SHENi Seminar guests were Maryam Abbas A, Bichi arpa, an expert Digital Marketer. She gave insights about Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, and Ecommerce Marketing. Maryam is famous as ‘Hausa Social Media Coach.’ Aside from just the expert business insights, she reflected a deep passion to help businesses excel and see the community prosper and grow. Not least, Nasir Muhammad, an experienced creative designer and the Founder of design studio M. Naseer, also beamed at SHENi Seminar. He shared lots of creative tips for the digital space. Salamatu didn’t stop at just organizing a 3-day workshop and seminar. She went further and created something even bigger: The Epiphany Magic Book, the first handbook of its kind in Africa. This book covers everything small businesses need to know about showcasing their products and taking great pictures. It’s a big deal because with the Epiphany Magic Book, small businesses can improve their online presence without relying on outside help. They can make their products look amazing and draw in more customers. Buy Now Expressing her feelings about all the support she got, Salamatu exclaimed, “I’m really happy about the partners that I have for this project; shoutout to Northino, Startup Kano, e-Health, Impact Ventures, and Anatomia Limited”. Looking ahead, it’s exciting to announce that the workshop will also take place in Abuja on the 2nd-5th of May 2024, offering even more SMEs the opportunity to enhance their digital presence and achieve success in their businesses. Join The Waitlist Click here to watch the SHENi video (Kano Cohort)

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