Charles Odii, the CEO of SMEDAN, is an exceptional leader who has consistently shown his unwavering dedication to promoting small businesses in Nigeria. Under his visionary leadership, SMEDAN has achieved remarkable success in empowering and supporting entrepreneurs. The recent Speed Pitch Competition is an excellent example of this. During the competition, candidates will present their business pitches, and the best pitches will be awarded.
The first edition of the competition was held on May 1 at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos and was a resounding success. Five deserving female entrepreneurs were awarded N2 million grants to grow their businesses, thanks to SMEDAN’s tireless efforts. However, the competition was not just about providing financial assistance, but also about imparting valuable financial literacy and business marketing lessons to the participants, which is indicative of SMEDAN’s genuine commitment to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the businesses it supports.
Under Charles Odii’s exceptional leadership, SMEDAN has made it clear that the Speed Pitch Competition is not a one-time event. They are committed to staging it in other states across the country, in order to expose more deserving SMEs to funding and recognition. This is a significant step in the right direction towards promoting entrepreneurship and fostering economic growth in Nigeria.
In addition, SMEDAN also organized masterclasses for SMEs on how to structure and pitch their businesses. These masterclasses provide entrepreneurs with an opportunity to gain access to invaluable knowledge and mentorship from successful business managers and founders. This will undoubtedly help them to make the most of the other resources and support that SMEDAN provides, including finance and tools.
The success of the first edition of the Speed Pitch Competition is a testament to Charles Odii’s inspiring vision for SMEDAN and his unwavering dedication to supporting small businesses. The five shortlisted businesses that made presentations on why they deserved the grants also showcased the exceptional potential and innovation of entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
SMEDAN’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and support small businesses are critical to the economic growth and development of Nigeria. As a nation, we must recognize and invest in the potential of our entrepreneurs, and Charles Odii and SMEDAN are leading the way in this regard.
