Foundation supports young entrepreneurs with grants, others

To build business resilience, support the growth and survival of entrepreneurs, the Rose of Sharon Foundation (RoSF) in partnership with Bosworth Marketing consulting recently held a two-day business clinic, tagged ‘Carving the Path to Business Success and Resilience’.

The four in one business clinic held in Lagos featured masterclasses, business coaching, one-on-one mentorship as well as business grant to one entrepreneur.

Country Manager, RoSF, Dr. Ndudi Bowei, revealed that the clinic is very necessary, considering the current economic hardship in the country. “Many SMEs are shutting down daily and this is not good for the economy. SMEs grow into bigger corporations but if they don’t survive the first few years, they will die. We decided to bring these business owners together to listen to their pain points, hand-hold, coach and mentor them to success. Business experts were brought in to teach them business resilience and provide real-life experiences.”

She said over 40 were selected in the first cohort last year, but this year, 65 businesses were picked.

“We have reached over a hundred businesses in the last two years and with the positive feedback from the pilot programme, it has given us the confidence to continue.”

The business mentors included the foundation’s director, Folarin Alakija, Toyin Bakare, Princess Funmilayo Okeowo of FAE Limited and Dr SenukonOlufunmi Ajose-Harrison.

Senukon regretted that entrepreneurship in Nigeria is currently suffering and needs more attention and support from the government. Urging the business owners to continually seek ways to expand and diversify, he advised them to improve on weaknesses, collaborate with others and aggressively pursue their goals.

Managing Director, Bosworth Marketing Consulting, Bukola Majekodunmi, noted that entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of any nation and it is important to focus on their survival.

On the second day, participants gave presentations proffering solutions to businesschallenges. Five businesses were randomly picked for a pitch-a-thon session with Ayodeji Jacob Adefuwa of Building Errands and Services Limited going home with the N300, 000 grant while the winning group won personalised coaching with the foundation’s founder, Folorunsho Alakija.