By Bamidele Busola
Jasper SME HUB held its 3rd edition of SME FEST on Saturday January 20, 2024, unveiling a theme focused on “Building to Scale.
In a bid to empower small businesses, Jasper SME HUB orchestrated conference that went beyond celebration, aiming to equip entrepreneurs with vital tools and platforms necessary for scalability. With an ambitious goal of supporting 50,000 SMEs by 2025, the fest transformed into a nexus of innovation and collaboration, uniting businesses, investors, and experts in a collective effort to nurture a thriving ecosystem for growth.
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Government Backing Essential: Keynote Address Highlights
The fest kicked off with a keynote address, where the keynote speaker, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole passionately underscored the pivotal role SMEs play in both national and global economies. Advocating for government support, she articulated how such backing is indispensable for the economic growth and stability of SMEs.
Bootstrapping Challenges Explored: Seasoned Entrepreneurs Share Insights
A panel discussion featuring 12 seasoned entrepreneurs delved into the often underestimated challenges of bootstrapping. From limited resources to slow growth and burnout, the discourse provided a candid exploration of the hurdles faced by startups. The consensus emerged: while bootstrapping fosters resilience, overcoming these obstacles demands a delicate balance of innovation and strategic planning.
Customer-Centric Strategies Unveiled: Insights from Entrepreneurs
In a thought-provoking panel discussion, entrepreneurs shared profound insights on the indispensable role of customer-centric strategies in business growth. From understanding customers’ needs to tailoring products based on their input, the discussion underscored the importance of a customer-focused approach. The panelists concluded with an emphasis on providing an unparalleled customer experience the “12 Star Experience” – as a key to lasting success in the competitive business landscape.
Entrepreneurial Mindset and Digital Marketing Wisdom
Daniel Ezewale took the stage to share valuable insights on adopting an entrepreneurial mindset and leveraging modern technology for business success. His emphasis on the edge provided by business digital tools resonated with attendees.
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Pitching Platform for Young Startups: Triumph for Stephen Adeyemo
The fest also provided a platform for young startups to pitch their business ideas, with Stephen Adeyemo emerging as the winner. His victory secured him a N200,000 cash prize and N300,000 worth of equipment, emphasizing the fest’s commitment to fostering innovation among the next generation of entrepreneurs.
In essence, SME FEST 2024 wasn’t just an event; it was a dynamic journey encompassing challenges, strategic insights, and entrepreneurial triumphs. Jasper SME HUB continues to be at the forefront of fostering growth and scalability for businesses.
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