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AWP Network, known for growing its network by connecting women-owned small businesses with the right channels, recently hosted an event for women in cohorts 1-3 through its Vendor Alumni program.
Held over three days in each cohort, the event was graced by experts who have educated women entrepreneurs on how to earn grants and grow their businesses across the Nigerian coast.
AWP Network founder Mary Olusoga added that the alumni event was held to support the network of vendors, with a Cohort 4 event planned for later in the year.
She said the organization is continually looking for partnerships to connect women to larger retail outlets, revealing existing partnerships with ShopRite Nigeria and Prince Ebeano.
“We want to improve access to market opportunities for these women entrepreneurs. At our initial launch in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, we had 2,500 applications. has doubled the number of applications and nearly quadrupled in 2022. So we have women from all over the country in our network,” said Olusoga.
She said the goal of the AWP network is to help more women obtain NAFDAC and ISO certification to facilitate exports and hopefully put Nigeria on the world map.
Kobo360’s Ife Oyedele, one of the facilitators and co-founders, said the future remains bright for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
“I think there is a lot of focus on women’s empowerment right now with the advent of organizations like AWP. I’m starting to notice.
“Women are very strong and diverse. They are very intelligent in their approach to managing things, and putting them in a position where they are actually managing an organization allows us to see it thrive.” I think.
Nneka Okekearu, Director of the Enterprise Development Center at Pan-Atlantic University, said: Growth is no accident. they have to plan it. You also need to know that you cannot do it alone. They need to make connections that will help their business grow. “
Okequeal also said women need to learn to document their processes. “It’s never too early to audit. Keep your diary. No! Audit your business every year, it helps,” she added.
But she urged women to get a handle on their finances. There are a lot of opportunities and the outlook is so bright that they need to stick there.”
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