Advantar Hosts Over 100 Entrepreneurs at Inaugural Elitepreneur Workshop

Advantar, a prominent growth and media agency, successfully held the first edition of its Elitepreneur Workshop on August 17th. The event brought together more than 100 aspiring and established entrepreneurs, offering them a unique platform to network, learn from industry experts, and gain crucial insights into various aspects of business growth, including finance, human resources, and marketing.

The workshop was designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge necessary for business success. In his welcome speech, Advantar’s Founder and CEO, Jegede Oluwakayode, emphasized the critical role entrepreneurs play in national development. “Entrepreneurs are the true leaders of a country. We create jobs, build the economy, and turn ideas into reality. But the journey is tough. Access to finance, mentorship, and market opportunities can be challenging. The Elitepreneur Workshop is a place to connect and share ideas. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of entrepreneurship,” Oluwakayode stated.

The event commenced with a masterclass by Israel Oladipupo, Senior Marketing Manager at Mdundo, titled “Integrating Marketing, Sales, and Brand Management for Long-Term Business Growth.” Oladipupo, drawing on over a decade of experience, underscored the importance of building sustainable brands rather than focusing solely on profit. His session delved into brand storytelling, customer acquisition, and retention strategies, offering valuable insights to the attendees.

Following the masterclass, a panel discussion on human resources titled “Winning The Talent War: Strategies for Hiring and Retaining Talent” featured notable speakers including Bethel Bekes, CEO of Whip Smart Consulting; Edwina Olamipekun, Head of People Management at Credit Direct; and Toyin Olasehinde, Co-founder of Woodcore & Treford. Bekes highlighted the importance of prioritizing the well-being of teams, stating, “The well-being of your team takes precedence over products and clients because they are the first brand ambassadors.” The session provided attendees with actionable strategies for effective talent management.

Another key session was led by Lamide Lamidi, Special Adviser on Youths and Sports to the Ogun State Government, who conducted a masterclass on “Government Partnerships: The Role Entrepreneurs Play in Policy Making.” Lamidi discussed the Nigerian policy-making process and encouraged entrepreneurs to engage in identifying and addressing policy gaps. Participants left the session empowered to influence policies affecting the entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria.

The workshop concluded with a finance panel discussion on “Financial Management: How Businesses Can Maximize Profitability in a Tough Economy.” Panelists included Peace Obule, CEO of DebtRecuva; Adekunle Adebiyi, Adviser on Telecoms at GLO; and Omotola Dorcas, Founder of Virtual Domain. The discussion focused on practical financial management strategies, investment, and securing funding, with panelists sharing personal experiences and strategies for expanding businesses while bootstrapping.

In addition to the informative sessions, the workshop facilitated networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with potential partners, mentors, and investors. One participant, Shola, praised the event, saying, “I have attended a good number of paid workshops, and most of them do not come close to the value and answers I got here today. I am forever grateful and indebted to the team for putting together this workshop.”

Temi O., Operations Manager at Advantar, expressed excitement about the positive feedback, noting, “Our aim is to create platforms that foster entrepreneurship and empower business owners, and this event is a testament to our commitment.”

Advantar continues to be dedicated to supporting the growth of businesses across Nigeria and beyond. The Elitepreneur Workshop is one of many initiatives by the agency to empower entrepreneurs and drive economic development.