IN commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD), Cromaria Care Foundation in collaboration with Ifako Ijaye Local Government in Lagos state, organised a capacity training for female entrepreneurs on how to build sustainable business in the country.
In her welcome address, Chinyere Orji, the Executive Director of the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) notes that the role of women in nation building can not be ignored as the world celebrate the countless achievements of women in various sectors, hence the need to further teach women ways to build and sustain their business.
“This workshop is testament that all women is committed to support entrepreneur, providing them with the tools, resources and opportunities they need to strive in the competitive business landscape.
In line with this year’s theme, the workshop will focus on crucial aspects of business success, with emphasis on how to access loans, how to access funds, building support network, financial management, market strategy and how to sustain our businesses as women.
“We understand that to access capital is one of the greatest challenges faced by women entrepreneur and we are dedicated in bridging this gap by providing guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneur.”
Speaking on raising funds for business, Mrs Lilian Okeke, a financial consultant noted that while seeking for funds to start or sustain a business, integrity must be the watch word, noting that the capital received must be strictly used for the business and remitted as and when due.
She explained that primarily funds can be sourced from personal savings, family and friends; traditional loans, crowd funding, adding that while seeking funds, the entrepreneur should keep acquiring skills as this will help in accessing funds when the opportunity comes.
She added with good business plans, funds can be accessed from angel investors, venture capital, grants, financial institutions, among other.
Speaking on the business sustainability among women, Abiola Folami, the CEO of Treasure Empowerment Foundation, emphasized on the need to adopt the use of ICT to promote business.
She observed that women do not use their social media networks creatively and profitably, therefore Folami emphasized that the need to step and adopt the strategy of advertising through the social media.
“Socializing should be used to make money. Your connections should be profit-driven, especially on social media. Advertise on your social media status. Talk about your products and services, starting from your neighbours,” she said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, Usman Hamzat, in his address applauded Cromaria Care Foundation in her incessant efforts to promote female entrepreneurship.
Hamzat, represented by Honourable Ibironke Abatan, noted that the workshop aligns with the vision of the LCDA in promoting and supporting women entrepreneurs.
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