Update

In the exciting world of business, Skyline University recently hosted an inspiring roundtable discussion featuring some of the most innovative minds, with Start-up Kano right in the midst of it. This marked the fourth collaboration between Start-up Kano and the university, sharing valuable insights with final-year students, and guiding them toward success in the entrepreneurial world. The university graciously invited Startup Kano to share professional experience and thoughts on the entrepreneurial mindset and skillset, and the team was proudly represented by the Executive Director, Aisha Tofa. Why Start Young? Starting your entrepreneurial journey early offers numerous benefits. Young minds are adaptable and resilient, making it easier to navigate the unpredictable business world. “Don’t think that you are in Skyline University and boast about your parent’s wealth. Success is more about the effort you put in than your background. Besides your parents will be proud and be willing to do more for you if you do more for yourself” -Aisha Tofa Starting early provides more time to learn from mistakes and improve ideas. The focus on being energetic aligns perfectly with the idea that youthful determination can drive innovation and long-term success. Most young entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to take risks. They are always willing to try new things. Their eagerness and lack of fear help them be adventurous and open to experimenting with different ideas. Moreover, this fearlessness can be a valuable quality, allowing individuals to explore new opportunities and take on challenges without being held back by too many worries. It’s a positive mindset that can shape the early stages of a professional journey. What to Keep In Mind Mentorship Aisha Tofa emphasized the significance of mentorship in the journey of an entrepreneur. “It’s quite important to have a mentor,” she shared with enthusiasm. “However, don’t just bump into them with an empty hand. Make sure you have something tangible to present. Have value and bring something of value to the table.” Connections can make quite a huge difference. Moreover, approaching a mentor with a clear understanding of what you can contribute sets the foundation for a meaningful and reciprocal relationship. Effective Communication When you’re running a business, it’s not just about talking well; it’s about making sure everyone understands your ideas. Sometimes, you may be talking to people who might invest in your business, sometimes to your team, and other times to customers, whichever the case may be, being able to explain things clearly is super important. Practice talking about your business in a simple way, and be open to feedback. Clear communication helps everyone understand each other better and builds good relationships, which are really important for making your business work well. Networking Networking is a powerful tool. This is not just about exchanging business cards; it’s about building relationships and being present in the right places at the right time. Attending events and making connections can lead to unexpected opportunities. Tofa’s advice, “You don’t know where you will meet the right helping hands,” reminds us that every networking opportunity can shape your entrepreneurial journey. Continuous Learning: What you see today can be old school tomorrow; that’s how the world of starting business works. This is why it is super important to keep learning all the time. Stay curious and never stop growing. This means taking classes, going to workshops, or attending events to get better at what you do. When you’re always learning, you become better at solving problems and can adapt to changes easily. Remember, being open to learning from both good and not-so-good experiences is a big key to making your business successful. Starting early, staying curious, and learning continuously, along with effective communication, networking, and mentorship, are keys to navigating the unpredictable business journey. With this guidance, future business leaders can confidently enter the business world, ready for long-term success. The shared wisdom not only inspires but also sets the stage for a new wave of determined and innovative entrepreneurs.

Maryam Lawal Gwadabe: Pioneering Technopreneur Appointed Special Adviser to Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy In a groundbreaking move for Nigeria’s digital landscape, Maryam Lawal Gwadabe has been appointed as the Special Adviser to the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. With a remarkable track record as the former CEO of Bluesphare Hub in Kano, Maryam’s ascent to this prestigious role is a testament to her status as a pioneering technopreneur dedicated to advancing the nation’s digital economy. As the newly appointed Special Adviser, Maryam Lawal Gwadabe’s mandate is clear: to lead the charge in shaping and executing policies and initiatives that will steer Nigeria towards digital transformation and inclusivity. With her extensive experience in the technology sector, she is uniquely poised to tackle the challenges and harness the vast opportunities presented by the ever-evolving digital landscape. This appointment underscores Maryam’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and remarkable achievements throughout her career. Her profound understanding of the catalytic potential of technology, particularly its role in driving economic growth and societal progress, is poised to usher in a new era of innovation within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Maryam Lawal Gwadabe’s leadership promises to leave an indelible mark on the nation’s journey towards a tech-driven future. Elevate Your Brand with Stunning Product Photography: Dive into the Blue Welcome to September, where creativity and aesthetics collide! At @sals_epiphany one of startup Kano’s pitchstar Alumni, this month is all about celebrating the tranquil charm of the color blue. If blue is a part of your brand’s identity, get ready for an irresistible offer that can take your product visuals to the next level. Picture this: a 50% discounted product photoshoot tailored to showcase your brand’s blue-themed products in all their glory. In a world driven by visuals, the way your products are presented can make or break your brand’s appeal. With this exclusive promotion, you have the chance to collaborate with a seasoned product photographer in Abuja who knows how to capture the essence of your blue-infused products. Whether it’s the soothing shade of blue in your baby care line or a striking blue packaging for your beauty products, this is the moment to make your brand shine. Don’t wait; reach out via DM to secure your spot for this limited-time opportunity and watch your products come to life with the artistry of product styling and photography. It’s time to elevate your brand and captivate your audience in the world of visual storytelling.  Empowering Nano & Micro Enterprises: Grant Opportunity for Those Affected by Fuel Subsidy Removal In a move to support Nano and Micro enterprises in Nigeria adversely impacted by the removal of fuel subsidies, an international investor has joined forces with Bspace Technology to provide a lifeline. This initiative aims to create access to grants ranging from N1 million to N5 million, providing much-needed relief to businesses struggling in the wake of this significant policy change. For Nano and Micro enterprises interested in this opportunity, there are some essential criteria to meet. Firstly, your enterprise must have been in operation for at least two years as of 2023. Additionally, even businesses with business names are eligible to apply. The total number of grants available from each state stands at 70, presenting a considerable opportunity for deserving enterprises across Nigeria. To seize this chance, find out more here Empowering Women in Engineering: Julius Berger’s 2023 Female Scholarship Are you a female undergraduate studying engineering in a Nigerian public university? If so, here’s an opportunity that could change the course of your academic journey. Julius Berger is offering a merit-based scholarship exclusively for full-time female engineering students, and the 2023 edition is now open for applications. This initiative aims to support and empower young women pursuing engineering degrees in Nigeria, fostering gender diversity in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated. To be eligible, applicants must be Nigerian citizens, enrolled in Federal or State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, and majoring in Engineering, Environmental, or Technology-related fields. Additionally, applicants should currently be in their second year of full-time study and maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5 in a 5-grade system. This scholarship not only provides financial support but also encourages and recognizes the dedication and talent of female engineering students across the nation. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to advance your education and career in engineering. The deadline for applications is October 9, 2023, so seize this chance and apply here  candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/JBN   now through the official scholarship portal. Julius Berger’s commitment to supporting female engineers is not only commendable but also a step forward in breaking down gender barriers in STEM fields. By offering this scholarship, they are not only investing in the education of these young women but also paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in engineering. So, if you are a female engineering student with a passion for innovation and a dream of making a mark in the field, this scholarship could be your ticket to success. Apply here today and take a significant step towards achieving your academic and career aspirations in engineering.  Revolutionizing Education in Northeast Nigeria: NEHIH and IRC Join Forces In a remarkable stride towards enhancing education in Northeast Nigeria, the Northeast Humanitarian Innovation Hub (NEHIH) has unveiled an inspiring collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This partnership, driven by a shared vision of progress, is set to revolutionize learning opportunities for the region’s youth and address the plight of out-of-school children in the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states. NEHIH’s mission to drive social change through innovation finds a powerful ally in IRC’s commitment to supporting communities recovering from conflict and disaster. At its core, this partnership aligns with the USAID’s Opportunities to Learn (OTL) Activity, an initiative backed by a $25 million Cooperative Agreement under IRC’s leadership. The OTL initiative’s dual focus on immediate education support and long-term systemic improvement sets the stage for transformative change. Its ultimate goal is to equip young minds with essential skills for higher education,