Update

The Month of March in Startup Kano

March has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by exciting activities, initiatives, and partnerships. As we turn the page on another month, let’s pause and reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve embarked on throughout March and, of course, what lies ahead in the next quarter. Supporting Founders: Startup Kano Teams Up with ALX Nigeria New Month, New Partnerships, New Opportunities! On March 1st, 2024, Startup Kano partnered with ALX Nigeria to help founders grow their businesses. ALX Nigeria is known for helping entrepreneurs and fostering new ideas. Together, Startup Kano and ALX Nigeria want to give entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed… view NSA Engagement: Pioneering Government Support for Start-ups March 13th, 2024, came with an unforgettable event. Startup Kano participated in a groundbreaking engagement with the NSA (National Startup Act) initiative. The NSA aims to guide states in transitioning from traditional economies to vibrant digital economies, fostering innovation and growth. Represented by HR Manager Yomi Sani and Hub/Community Manager Aydah Isah, our team contributed insights to the discussion. Under the theme “Government and Start-ups: A New Era,” the discussion went deep into pivotal questions shaping the landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Bētá Nigeria Education Roundtable On March 23rd, 2024, Startup Kano had the honor of participating in the Bētá Nigeria Education Roundtable. As the name suggests, of course, it’s for a better Nigeria. This campaign is a powerful initiative aimed at elevating education as a top priority for all citizens of Nigeria. Led by a coalition comprising civil society, media, and citizens, the roundtable seeks to ignite a nationwide conversation on education reform and advocate for improved education outcomes… Read more Emotional Intelligence Master Class On March 28th, 2024, Startup Kano, in collaboration with The Northern Therapist, hosted an Emotional Intelligence Masterclass. The event, led by expert therapists, aimed to empower attendees with invaluable knowledge and guidance to enhance their emotional intelligence. What made this masterclass truly exceptional? The best part was that it was completely free of charge! In a world where access to expert-led sessions often comes with a hefty price tag, this opportunity was indeed rare and remarkable… Read more Save the Dates for Exciting Events Ahead! Get ready to mark your calendars because we’ve got some fantastic events lined up! Engaging discussions aor hands-on workshops, there’s definitely something for everyone. So, grab your planner and make sure you don’t miss out on these upcoming opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Here’s what’s coming up in the next quater: May 11, 2024 (Thursday): A Day with a Mentor May 13, 2024 (Saturday): UNDP Innovation & Creativity Stakeholders Engagement June 14, 2024 (Friday): Restart Acceleration June 22, 2024 (Saturday): Figma Config Save the dates and get ready for an exciting journey ahead!

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Mastering Emotional Intelligence: Insights from The Northern Therapists and Startup Kano Master Class

Understanding emotions is crucial for navigating our day-to-day life activities. They influence how we perceive and interact with the world around us. Whether it’s joy, sadness, anger, or fear, emotions shape our thoughts, decisions, and relationships. This goes to show us that Learning to recognize and manage our emotions not only enhances our well-being but also empowers us to communicate effectively, handle stress, and cultivate meaningful connections with others. In essence, mastering our emotions is key to living a fulfilling and balanced life. On March 28th, 2024, Startup Kano and The Northern Therapists hosted a transformative master class focusing on emotional intelligence. Attendees were guided through a series of enlightening strategies and techniques aimed at utilizing emotions to enhance personal well-being and nurture meaningful connections with others. Key areas include:  Understanding Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence, as emphasized by Maryam Hassan Baba, founder of The Northern Therapist, is the ability to recognize and manage one’s own emotions effectively, ultimately leading to improved communication and stress management. Participants were encouraged to go deep into their emotional landscapes, identifying triggers for anger and exploring whether anger serves as a friend or an enemy in their lives. Daily Strategies for Emotional Mastery A highlight of the session was the presentation of 21 daily strategies designed to cultivate emotional resilience. From deep breathing exercises to journaling and problem-solving techniques, attendees were equipped with diverse strategies to navigate the complexities of their emotions and take care of themselves in every way. The Power of Self-Awareness At the heart of the master class was the concept of self-awareness – the understanding of one’s character, motives, desires, and feelings. Practical tips on building and increasing self-awareness were shared with the participants in order to deepen their understanding of themselves and others. Maryam also discussed how stress is an aspect of modern life. She explained ways to manage stress, and warned against using harmful coping methods like smoking or drinking, which can make stress worse. Calmness Amidst Provocation A key takeaway from the master class was the importance of maintaining calmness in provoking situations. Participants were introduced to qualities such as mindfulness, patience, and optimism as essential components of emotional resilience. Practical strategies empowered everyone in the class to navigate conflicts with grace and composure. Harnessing the Power of Breath Breathing therapy emerged as a potent tool for stress relief and emotional regulation. The class concluded with learning how breathing techniques can swiftly calm the mind and body, promoting relaxation and clarity amidst life’s challenges. The Emotional Intelligence Master Class was a resounding success, leaving everyone that attended inspired and equipped with practical strategies to enhance their well-being. As participants departed with newfound insights and tools, the ripple effects of emotional mastery promised to enrich not only their individual lives but also their interactions within their communities and beyond.

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2024: The Year So far

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!

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