Ayo Bankole Akintujoye’s Caladium Consulting Unveils SME Fellowship Initiative

Caladium Consulting, in collaboration with Junior Chambers International (JCI), Lagos Continental Chapter, has launched the Caladium SME Fellowship Program in Lagos. This program aims to support and nurture young business owners, providing them with essential skills to succeed in today’s competitive market.

Founder and CEO, Ayo Bankole Akintujoye, believes that the Caladium SME Fellowship Program is a game-changer in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape. It offers participants a mini MBA experience, expert mentorship, networking opportunities, personalized coaching, and community support.

Over 2,500 applications were received for the three-week program, which ran from July 8th to July 26th, 2024. A rigorous selection process shortlisted 83 candidates based on criteria such as industry type, impact, traction, and business longevity. The first cohort consisted of fellows from seven Nigerian states and Harare, Zimbabwe.

The fellowship began with a grand opening ceremony featuring panel sessions with industry experts, providing valuable insights into developing a growth mindset and strategies for success. Throughout the program, participants engaged in various modules covering essential business topics such as sales, marketing, financial management, funding preparation, technology utilization, and strategic planning.

The fellowship program boasted an impressive list of mentors and teachers, including professionals from various industries. These experts guided participants through case studies, workshops, and collaborative projects, helping them gain clarity and make progress in their businesses.

On Saturday, July 26th, 2024, the fellowship concluded with a closing ceremony where 45 fellows graduated. The event featured special guests, including Olagoke Balogun, CEO of So Fresh NG, and Lola Esan, a global HR practitioner. These industry leaders shared their own experiences and offered practical advice, inspiring the fellows to apply their newfound knowledge to their ventures.

The Caladium SME Fellowship Program has made a significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in Lagos. Although this cohort has concluded, the knowledge and skills gained by the fellows will continue to resonate for years to come.