UBA Business Series is a knowledge sharing platform that empowers and supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.
Starting a business in today’s economy requires a clear purpose, adaptability, and financial discipline. Entrepreneurs need to offer unique solutions, stay resilient through challenges, and continuously innovate to meet market demands. Success comes from managing resources wisely and remaining focused on long-term goals.
UBA supports businesses through flexible SME loans, financial advisory services, and capacity-building programs like the UBA Business Series. The bank also fosters networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with industry leaders and mentors to drive growth and sustainability.
We have a huge underdeveloped market in Nigeria and global demand for specialty coffee. I conducted research, engaged with industry stakeholders, and attended international conventions. Understanding local preferences through surveys helped me tailor my offerings to succeed.
Businesses should pivot when strategies fail or market demands shift. Staying power involves resilience, continuous learning, and adapting strategies based on feedback. It means staying committed to the core mission while navigating challenges, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Excellence is consistently exceeding customer expectations and delivering quality. It shows in positive feedback, repeat business, and industry recognition. Mediocrity comes from complacency, while limited resources can be overcome with creativity and effort. Striving for continuous improvement ensures businesses deliver exceptional value.
To stay ahead of changing trends, continuously monitor market shifts and customer feedback. Adapt quickly by innovating your product or service to align with new demands. Stay flexible, invest in ongoing learning, and be open to pivoting your strategy when necessary. This approach helps you remain relevant and resilient.
Address weak links by identifying their challenges through open communication. Offer support, provide training, and set clear expectations. Encourage collaboration and mentorship to help them improve. If performance doesn’t change, reassess their role to ensure the team’s overall productivity isn’t compromised.
Both platforms play significant roles, but their impact depends on goals. Twitter excels in real-time communication, trending discussions, and news dissemination. YouTube offers deeper engagement through long-form video content and monetization opportunities. For businesses, the choice depends on target audiences and content strategies.
Small firms can reward board members with equity options, performance-based bonuses, or modest honorariums. Non-monetary incentives like networking opportunities or professional development can also be valuable. Ensure rewards align with the company’s financial capacity and strategic goals.
Being teachable involves listening to feedback and learning from others’ experiences while maintaining your decision-making authority. Consider advice carefully, but filter it through your values and objectives. This balance ensures you grow without losing control of your vision.
To pursue presenting while working, start by leveraging opportunities within your role, like hosting internal events or training sessions. Balance your time by setting aside dedicated hours for practice. Exposure through public speaking groups, online courses, and networking with industry professionals can also help you grow without compromising your current role.
Your focus on value addition is inspiring! Combining innovation with local resources like cassava adds tremendous economic and social impact. Continue enhancing product quality and sharing your story—your work embodies true entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. Keep going strong!
To discover your niche, start by identifying your passions and strengths, then align them with gaps in the market. Avoid following trends just for traffic; focus on providing unique value and authentic content that addresses specific audience needs. Engage with your audience to refine your niche based on their feedback, ensuring long-term relevance and growth.
Nigeria can boost export earnings by investing in coffee production infrastructure, improving quality standards, and promoting local coffee brands internationally. Encouraging farmers through subsidies and training, creating trade partnerships, and participating in global coffee expos can enhance competitiveness. Diversifying exports reduces dependency on oil and strengthens the economy.
When children aren’t interested in taking over, consider involving them gradually by exposing them to different aspects of the business. Alternatively, explore hiring professional managers or developing leadership within the company. Diversifying into related areas, such as complementary products or services, can also create new opportunities that might align with their interests.
Securing capital for machinery can be approached through loans, but it’s crucial to assess your cash flow and repayment capacity first. Consider grants, partnerships, or leasing as alternative options. Ensure the investment aligns with your growth strategy and will generate sufficient returns to justify the expense.
Most successful entrepreneurs realize they’re on the right track when they solve real problems and receive positive customer feedback. While passion fuels the journey, identifying a market need and addressing it effectively ensures sustainability. The key is aligning your passion with solutions that provide tangible value.
Winning grants requires a clear business plan, a compelling pitch, and a demonstrated impact. Princess likely honed her skills in proposal writing, market research, and financial forecasting. Staying informed about grant opportunities and networking within relevant industries also improves your chances.
The UBA Business Series is a knowledge-sharing platform organized by United Bank for Africa to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to grow their businesses.
The series is open to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners, business enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in gaining valuable business insights.
No, the UBA Business Series is free to attend. However, registration is required.
You can register by visiting the UBA website or following the registration link provided on UBA’s social media platforms.
Yes, the UBA Business Series offers both physical and virtual sessions to ensure accessibility for participants across different locations.
No, the series is open to both UBA customers and non-customers.
Topics vary by session but typically include business financing, marketing strategies, technology adoption, financial management, leadership skills, and industry-specific insights.
Yes, recordings of past sessions are available on the UBA website and YouTube page.
Networking opportunities are often provided during physical events, and virtual sessions.
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For inquiries, visit the UBA website for details.
Yes, UBA provides various SME support services, including business loans, advisory services, and tailored banking solutions.