By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), on Monday, organized a one day National Business Skills Development Initiative Entrepreneurship Training for 90 participants drawn from the 23 local government areas of Sokoto.
Speaking on the objectives of the training, Moshud Lawal from SMEDAN Abuja, said the participants will be trained on Tailoring, GSM Repairs, Catering and Knitting.
Mushood who stressed that the greatest challenge with small businesses is lack of foresight by the owner, however decried that mindset is another challenge in the northern axis of Nigeria.
This, according to him, formed part of the reasons why starting small and managing same to grow becomes a herculean endeavour for many. Mushood therefore noted that the most important idea to bear in mind towards starting any business is the BOSS idea.
The BOSS mentality, he explained, means Business, Opportunity, Seeking and Skills, adding for one to be a successful business owner, he or she must strive to always look beyond what others cannot see. "Stop making assumptions based on first impression, being focused and thinking outside the box to identify business opportunity and allow for proper networking".
While noting that if you cannot reach out, you will not beach up, Mr Mushood listed four factors for any successful business to include, ideas, motivation, ability/skills and resources both physical and financial, in addition to self confidence, business premises, available raw materials, machinery/equipment, personnel and funds.
Continuing, the SMEDAN speaker noted that small businesses fail because of lack of focus, consistency, good conception, project identification, feasibility study, business plan, evaluation and control, as well as sourcing of finance.
On his part, Sokoto State SMEDAN Business Support Manager, Muazu Barau Muhammed, admonished participants to make good use of the privilege.
Speaking with NIGERIAN NEWSLEADER Correspondent, one of the participants who simply gave his name as Muhammad, thanked SMEDAN for coming up with such laudable initiative, adding however, that it should also factor in how to give them grants or start-ups at the end of the training. NNL.
