By Okereke Kate
In a bid to make SME operators in South East achieve rapid growth and as well equipped with the requisite knowledge,tools and capita, an entrepreneurship platform,234Finance, has organized a four week intensive Bootcamp for entrepreneurs.
The Bootcamp which kick-started on the 1st of June 2024 with an orientation session in Aba,had over 100 entrepreneurs selected across the South East region in attendance both physically and virtually.
234Finance, which is a leading entrepreneurship platform,dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and bridging the knowledge gap between investors and investment opportunities in Africa emerging markets, would take entrepreneurs in the South East in an intensive training for the purpose of scaling up their skills, capital and the general growth of their businesses.
In a welcome address,the Managing Partner 234Finance, Ezinne Nwazulu, said the 234Finance is an ecosystem that promotes African entrepreneurship through capacity building, mentorship and access to finance.
According to Ezinne Nwazulu, the 234Finance is guided by five core values, Content, Community, Collaboration, Capacity Building and Capital, which are key to entrepreneurial growth, commending the shortlisted participants for making it to the bootcamp and taking the bold step towards advancing their skills and knowledge.
She said committing to a bootcamp is no small feat as It requires dedication, passion and a wllingness to push beyond their comfort zone.
The Managing Partner disclosed that the participants have shown great initiative by attending and that is something they should be proud of.
“ This bootcamp stands as one of many projects close to my heart, representing an opportunity to bring impactful change to the South East. In recent years, we have witnessed a significant migration of entrepreneurs to bustling hubs like Lagos, where opportunities seem to flourish.
“ However, we firmly believe that the South East possesses untapped potential to emerge as an economic powerhouse in its own right.
“The SME bootcamp is a 4-Week intensive program, designed to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the essential knowledge, tools, and capital necessary for rapid expansion and global competitiveness. It serves as a catalyst for unlocking the full potential of SMEs and driving sustainable economic development within the South East. We are particularly keen on driving growth of indigenous brands in this region. As s result, the core sectors of focus are Agribusiness, Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Logistics, Fashion & Textile, and Retail”, she said.
Nwazulu re-emphasized that the bootcamp is not just about acquiring new skills but about discovering new possibilities and unlocking full potential. “Through our collective effort and commitment, I am confident that we will realize the full potential of the South East and pave the way for a more prosperous economy.
“We understand that this journey can be demanding, but you are not alone. Our team of instructors, mentors, and support staff are here to guide you every step of the way. They bring a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for teaching. One of the greatest strengths of our bootcamp is the community you are now a part of. Look around you; these are your peers, your collaborators, your support network. The friendships and professional connections you will build here can last a lifetime.
“ I encourage you to engage with one another, share your experiences, and learn from each other. We aspire to witness each business leaving this bootcamp equipped with the knowledge and necessary tools for growth”,she concluded.
In a keynote address, a business Mogul,Dr Chima Anyaso, encouraged the participants to take the opportunity seriously, stating that they are lucky to have such opportunity at their beck and call, which was not available to them at their growing state.
He urged the participants to leverage on the ideas that would be shared,as they have the ability to boost their entrepreneurial skills, adding that the participants that would scale through in their pitch competition would be supported financially.
Also, a facilitator, Mrs Atulomah Onyekachi Loveday, who spoke on the impact of Entrepreneurship, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in the economy of the nation,saying that it has a significant impact on the employment level, leading to an increase in per capita income and fairer wealth distribution.
Mrs Loveday added that entrepreneurs can boost economic growth by introducing innovative technologies, products and services.
She highlighted some factors that must be displayed if the entrepreneurs must witnessed visible growth, stressing that entrepreneurs must maintain right attitude, have good carriage, motivation and passion for their businesses, noting that with the challenges confronting SMEs operators not withstanding, if they package their products and services well,they would be at the top of their game.
Loveday, however, urged them no to be deterred but stay glued to the vision that brought them into businesses.
