In order to create business development opportunities for entrepreneurs, GOPA Worldwide Consultants has partnered Valcuon Business Services to train over 30 business owners in Lagos.
The training addressed a wide range of business development topics, from growth strategies to risk management, and a host of others.
Executive Director, Valcuon Business Services, Bimbo Osuchukwu who spoke during the training explained that the event targeted business owners who have been in business in the last three years.
Osuchukwu also explained that the training which came under the theme, ‘Pro-poor growth and promotion of employment in Nigeria’ would enhance entrepreneurial and management skills of the participants which in turn will create employment in the country.
She said: “The central role of Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) is employment creation and the training aims at improving the employment and income situation of MSME by improving the business enabling environment, increasing access to financial and business services, enhancing entrepreneurial and management skills.’’
Osuchukwu disclosed that the main output of the training would be a comprehensive growth plan and added that the beneficiaries would also be supported after the training to succeed with accessing finance, accessing markets, increasing their personnel structure and any other need identified.
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One of the facilitators at the training, Sidiq Deen described the training which was supported by the German government as the most advanced business development entrepreneurship exercise.
Deen however, stressed the need for business owners to seek new method of doing business so as to remain relevant in business.
Advising the participants on what they could do to stand out from the crowd, he said: “Innovation; seeks to look for a better way of doing your business sometimes it’s a really simple change.
“More emphasis should be placed on areas such as revenue, sales, internal processes, finance and customers.’’
He also stressed the need for participants to use digital platforms to market, gain visibility and sell their products.
Such platforms, he said include both offline and online platforms such as email, social media, content marketing, radio, television, telephone and tech-supported physical adverts.
During the training the participants were exposed to legal and sustainable compliance issues especially on environment and climate change.
The participants were educated on the description of family business, its peculiarities in Nigeria, formulating and managing succession and exits plan, successor’s qualities among others.
A participant at the event, managing director, Lifefount hospital, Yemisi Adeyeye, who spoke in an interview, commended the organisers of the training and added that everyone was given the opportunity to practise, adapt and perfect their skills in a supportive environment.
To her, the training provided a well-rounded overview of the essential aspects of business development and a pathway to successful growth.
“I wholeheartedly recommend it to any business leader or entrepreneur looking to improve their skills in this area,” Adeyeye said.
