SMEs tasked on harnessing opportunities in nutrition funding

The Scaling up Nutrition Business Network (SBN), a global movement focused on ending malnutrition has called on owners of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country to tap into opportunities available in nutrition funding in Nigeria.
  
The global initiative also urges Nigeria’s small businesses to collaborate and learn from each other to scale up; stressing that alternative sources of finance exist and SMEs must broaden their horizon and be investment-ready.
 
Speaking during a Masterclass on “Unlocking Investment Opportunities for Improved Nutrition”, organized in partnership with agribusiness consultants, Sahel Capital Partners & Advisory, SBN Nigeria Coordinator, Uduak Igbeka, urged entrepreneurs to embrace the vast opportunities available, while Ndidi Nwuneli, Co-founder Sahel Capital Partners & Advisory Limited, encouraged the entrepreneurs to be open-minded about new ideas they would learn in order to develop their businesses.

Discussions and presentations revolved around themes, “Financing opportunities for SMEs in the agro-processing and nutrition landscapes”, “Investment-Readiness”, “Steps for securing funding” and “Steps for managing investment partners.”
  
Participants also applauded the maiden Masterclass and urged for similar Masterclasses in the future. Key lessons shared by participants include the importance of documentation, the importance of trust as the main currency of business, the importance of integrity when choosing business or investment partners and the need for due diligence in business transactions.    
 
Attendees also corroborated the need for innovative thinking and strategies to evolve into niche leaders as well as recognizing and establishing success milestones and the importance of separating business.