Accion MfB, CAFET empower fashion entrepreneurs, creatives

Accion Microfinance Bank, a microfinance institution in Nigeria and Centre for African Fashion Education and Technology (CAFET) has trained fashion entrepreneurs and creatives.

The program was an intensive two days training, themed ‘Fashion Business Essentials Training and Networking Session’. It aimed to boost the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria.

It provided an invaluable platform for fashion business enthusiasts to gain insights, knowledge, practical skills and resources as well as fostered valuable networking opportunities required to thrive in the dynamic and competitive world of fashion, according to a statement.

“The event was a success, the participants with renewed enthusiasm and a clearer path toward building and scaling their businesses expressed their gratitude for the knowledge and inspiration gained during the training,” the statement said.

According to Paul Ehiagbonare, chief digital officer at Accion MfB, the program was one of the company’s youths’ inclusion initiatives specially designed to empower fashion entrepreneurs by addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within the fashion industry.

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“Our partnership with CAFET reflects our commitment to enabling and supporting the growth of SMEs in Nigeria. We believe that by equipping fashion entrepreneurs with essential business skills, we can help them overcome challenges, compete in the global market and succeed in their ventures,” he said.

The company added that day one of the program was dedicated to a comprehensive training where industry experts and fashion business professionals facilitated a series of hands-on workshops, delving into various aspects of the fashion business value chain.

“The aspects were fashion design and production, marketing and branding, business planning, financial management, and sustainability.

“While the day two focused on mass-market retail strategies and networking opportunities needed for the participants to connect with industry service providers, further enhancing their capacity to succeed in the business,” it said.