Felicia’s story

I think more men than women succeed in business due to the many forms of government support they have enjoyed for a long time, the kind of support that women lack. Women also have a lot on their table, battling with duties as a wife and mother can be very exhausting. In recent times, there has been improvement given the creation of a lot of women focused groups, increased support from international organisations and the government of Nigeria implementing some policies that aim to see women grow their businesses.

I enjoyed the Road to Growth programme, the HerVenture app was like a game; a game that made you understand your business but in a salient way. It made business seem less difficult, strange or like rocket science; running a business was brought down to the understanding of an average person. My favourite topics were cashflows and market projections and the fact that I had to reengineer my vision and mission statement to enable me actualise my growth plan.

The HerVenture app has been very helpful, and I still consult it from time to time. The app helps one develop a growth plan, helping you predict where your business will be in 5 years and the necessary steps that needs to be taken to meet those goals.

I think networking with other women was the most interesting part of the Road to Growth programme. We actually formed clusters based on locations and would sometimes meet over lunch to discuss business opportunities and collaborations.

Road to Growth has taught me how to be more innovative and strategic.

The pandemic stalled my business’ growth plan since we were closed during the lockdown period as result there was a total loss of business for most women. It made me return to the drawing board, and readjusted the growth plan to match the new reality. Since people’s purchasing power has dropped, we had to offer products tailored to the small change in their pockets. Those of our products which had COVID-compliant packaging were ordered more by people. It wasn’t much about the cost of the products but the turnover in sales we had.

Having a successful business for me doesn’t necessarily mean increased cash flow but rather the fact that my business now has a structure, processes have been put in place that I can travel and be away for a while and my business runs optimally in my absence. This is one of the many benefits of attending Road to Growth and that for me is the definition of a successful business.

Some of the benefits of attending Road to Growth are the fact that I have developed a growth plan for my business, the networking opportunities and the ability to share ideas with other women.

What these opportunities mean for women is growth; they now understand they can contribute meaningfully to their family and community. I sincerely believe there is a bright future out there for every woman in business.

I have experienced the ‘ripple effect’ of this programme first-hand as I have seen myself continually teach other women what I have learned. A number of women in some of the Women Focused Groups I earlier mentioned have benefited from the Road to Growth programme.

I think it is important to support women’s entrepreneurship because women are good in business due to our diligence. When it comes to accounting, when properly taught women are able to it very well. When women are supported, it has positive impact on families, society and the overall economy.

I see women’s businesses blooming in the nearest future, I see women developing structured and sustainable businesses and I see them becoming a strong force to reckon with in the business world.”