Caladium Consulting has launched a groundbreaking SME Fellowship in Lagos, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Building on seven years of success with the Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp, this initiative addresses a critical need: migrating business owners from technical sole proprietors to competent business managers with the skill sets for building sustainable businesses.
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Founder, Caladium Consulting, Ayo Akintujoye, said, “The Caladium SME Fellowship Programme is a game-changer. It’s a long-term commitment to nurturing entrepreneurs through a mini MBA experience, along with expert mentorship, networking, personalised coaching, and community support.”

This maiden fellowship was done in partnership with Junior Chambers International (JCI), Lagos Continental Chapter, and aims to equip young business owners with essential tools to navigate and excel in today’s competitive market, promising to catalyse economic growth and innovation in Nigeria.

According to the Cofounder of the Fellowship Programme, Oluwaseun Durojaiye, over 2,500 applications were received for the three-week program, which ran from July 8th to July 26th, 2024. Criteria such as industry type, impact, traction and business longevity were used to shortlist 83 candidates. Fellows were selected based on their innovative business ideas, leadership potential, and commitment to driving economic growth. The first cohort had fellows from seven states in Nigeria, including Lagos, Kano, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Kaduna and Sokoto states. The session also had fellows from Harare in Zimbabwe.

The fellowship kicked off with a grand opening ceremony featuring a panel session with Director of Programs and Coordination, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Oyindamola Egbeyemi, and Managing Director, Dutum Company, Temitope Runsewe. Their insights into developing a growth mindset and strategies for success provided a solid foundation for the participants.

Participants engaged in various modules designed to enhance their business acumen and leadership skills. These covered essential topics such as sales, marketing, financial management, record keeping, funding preparation, management techniques, technology utilisation, risk management, time management, strategic planning, and others. The list of mentors and teachers included Mr Akintujoye; Global HR Practitioner, Lola Esan; Sustainable Finance Professional, Chrissie Kayode; CEO Dreams Media, Oluwatosin Emmanuel; CEO Cloudsphere Technologies, Tunmbi Banto; CEO Baobab+ Nigeria, Kola Osinowo; Territory Manager UK Oracle cloud, Olufisayo Akinleye; CEO CrossTie Solutions, Adebayo Adegun; CEO, Modion Comms, Odion Aleobua; Founder 101cavern, Wole Oyeniyi and Principal Partner, Oluwatodimu Ige & Associates, Oluwatodimu Ige.
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