September 25th 2013, will not be easily forgotten by the participants, sponsors and organizer as everyone picked up tools to help in building their nations economy through SMEs.
The beautiful weather complimented the serene environment, wonderful speakers and eager participants. The event started at 9:30am with an opening remark from Mr. Peter Bamkole, who surprised participants with another ‘M’ in the 3Ms – MOBILE. The future of SMEs will soon depend heavily on mobile equipments as many people are migrating to very light mobile devices-phones, tablets, i-pads etc. Very soon SMEs will have mobile apps if they want to remain relevant, he said.
The first plenary session – "What model is right for your business?" was moderated by Deji Agboade of BPI Advisory, who introduced the discussants, Emmanuel Ocholi, Helen Omore, Babatunde Okupa, Afolabi Abiodun, seasoned people in their fields and great entrepreneurs with a large heart to teach, mentor and help out in any possible way because they have a bigger dream of seeing the nation as a world power in business and leadership. At the end of this session, a model was likened to the size of your dream and passion, the market was likened to your target, and money was strongly advised to be recycled - used to set up new SMEs, re-invested and diversified.
A keynote address was given from the Nigerian Stock Exchange Chief Executive Officer, ably represented by the General Manager, Listings Sales & Retention, Taba Peterside. She introduced Alternative Securities Market (ASeM)[nse.com.ng], an initiative from CBN to help SMEs grow. She also encouraged participants to walk up to the ASeM group present just for the conference, for advice and clarity on how they can be of assistance to growing their businesses.
The beautiful weather complimented the serene environment, wonderful speakers and eager participants. The event started at 9:30am with an opening remark from Mr. Peter Bamkole, who surprised participants with another ‘M’ in the 3Ms – MOBILE. The future of SMEs will soon depend heavily on mobile equipments as many people are migrating to very light mobile devices-phones, tablets, i-pads etc. Very soon SMEs will have mobile apps if they want to remain relevant, he said.
The first plenary session – "What model is right for your business?" was moderated by Deji Agboade of BPI Advisory, who introduced the discussants, Emmanuel Ocholi, Helen Omore, Babatunde Okupa, Afolabi Abiodun, seasoned people in their fields and great entrepreneurs with a large heart to teach, mentor and help out in any possible way because they have a bigger dream of seeing the nation as a world power in business and leadership. At the end of this session, a model was likened to the size of your dream and passion, the market was likened to your target, and money was strongly advised to be recycled - used to set up new SMEs, re-invested and diversified.
A keynote address was given from the Nigerian Stock Exchange Chief Executive Officer, ably represented by the General Manager, Listings Sales & Retention, Taba Peterside. She introduced Alternative Securities Market (ASeM)[nse.com.ng], an initiative from CBN to help SMEs grow. She also encouraged participants to walk up to the ASeM group present just for the conference, for advice and clarity on how they can be of assistance to growing their businesses.
The second plenary session - "What are the innovative approaches to expanding financial access?" was moderated by Mope Abudu of NEXTZON's Institutionalization and Small Business Advisory practice, introducing seasoned and passionate bankers, Bayo Ogunusi, Chima Nnadozie, Kunle Oketikun from the major partner Heritage Bank, Diamond Bank, and Fortis Microfinance Bank.
We had the heads of MSME Units of these various banks and the CEO of Fortis Microfinance Bank educate the participants on the packages the banks were offering SMEs. They also had their teams readily available. Most of all, it was explained why banks do not give loans to SMEs and tips were given on how to position your SME to access loans from banks.
And finally the session we had all been waiting for – "Conversation with the CEOs"! We got to interview great entrepreneurs who, in spite of the so-called Nigerian factor made it! What more could we ask for? These people had gone ahead and laid the foundation, built and nurtured their organization and were here to share their experience. We had Mr. Stan Ekeh, the CEO of Zinox, the pioneer IT Distributor in West Africa through Technology Distributions Limited, TD, which has emerged as the Number 1 ICT distribution company in West Africa. His company, TD has consistently won, for ten years, the highest industry Awards and recognition for market penetration, revenue, and preferred partner status to become the most decorated ICT Distributor in West Africa. We also had Nicholas Okoye, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Anabel Group Inc. - Men with great wells of experience and a large heart to share and mentor as many people as possible!
View the online chatter about the conference below:
Tweets about "SMEConference2013"
It was indeed an event never to be forgotten so soon and with great expectation, we look forward to #SMEConference2014!
And finally the session we had all been waiting for – "Conversation with the CEOs"! We got to interview great entrepreneurs who, in spite of the so-called Nigerian factor made it! What more could we ask for? These people had gone ahead and laid the foundation, built and nurtured their organization and were here to share their experience. We had Mr. Stan Ekeh, the CEO of Zinox, the pioneer IT Distributor in West Africa through Technology Distributions Limited, TD, which has emerged as the Number 1 ICT distribution company in West Africa. His company, TD has consistently won, for ten years, the highest industry Awards and recognition for market penetration, revenue, and preferred partner status to become the most decorated ICT Distributor in West Africa. We also had Nicholas Okoye, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Anabel Group Inc. - Men with great wells of experience and a large heart to share and mentor as many people as possible!
View the online chatter about the conference below:
Tweets about "SMEConference2013"
It was indeed an event never to be forgotten so soon and with great expectation, we look forward to #SMEConference2014!
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