Teaching Business Skills to Nigerian Entrepreneurs
 Sitting on the porch of our residence on another beautiful, quiet, African morning. The mornings here are very comfortable with a light breeze; the lizards are climb and scurry about the grounds, and there is usually a bird that sounds like an owl making some hoots out in the distance. It's an easy place to reflect on the marvelous day we had yesterday which culminated in a celebration dinner in Jos which included a spectacular native bongo and dance performance.
Yesterday's focus was to teach business skills to 32 aspiring entrepreneurs from the village. The participants ranged in age from 15-29 and nearly all were unemployed. Some of the types of businesses the folks wanted to start included: poultry farms, fish farms, a grocery store, a Christian singing and comedy show and a women clothing and make-up boutique. Our goal was to help these young entrepreneurs deepen their understanding of their idea, customer, competition, pricing, capital needs and six month goals. I facilitated a group of 8 individuals which included three students, one policeman, and four unemployed individuals. It struck me with just how BIG these folks can dream...and then how awesome it was to help challenge, coach and encourage their dreams in order to help them build a business plan and launch their dreams.
While we were only able to scratch the surface during our meetings, there were many small wins achieved for the participants. Additionally, the participants gained a deeper understanding of the steps and strategies necessary to define in order to achieve a successful start-up. Finally, SEC committed to maintaining a relationship with the participants to continue to coach and mentor them as they develop their plans.
How awesome would it be someday if just one of the participants would report that they have successfully launched their business with our assistance, and in return, positively changed the lives of the families touched by that business. Creating jobs, averting hunger, inspiring hope... just a few of the powerful things we can do by teaching the village of Kisayip basic business skills.
Success with just one villager would be incredible and a tremendous blessing, but I am confident we will do so much more by mentoring and investing our intellectual capital in the lives of our friends in Kisayip.
--Brent Bachochin, March 24
|
