By Cynthia Alo

To address the growing need for proper grooming of operators in Nigeria’s Micro, Small and Medium  Enterprises, MSMEs, space a business development strategist, Desola Jimmy-Eboma, has set up a Small Scale Enterprises (SSE) Lab in Lagos to address those challenges.

The platform is designed to empower the MSMEs through mentorship, tools, and resources that will help them build sustainable and scalable businesses.

Speaking at the official launch tagged, ‘From vision to venture: Unleashing entrepreneurial potential’, Eboma, said the lab’s purpose is to uplift local industries.

She stated: “When I started my business four years ago, I was exposed to the myriad of challenges faced by small-scale manufacturers in Nigeria from mastering branding and packaging to navigating complex distribution channels. I used my background in business development and brand strategy to navigate the complex world of production, marketing, and distribution. “In just nine months, I was able to scale my business and distribute products across Nigeria, the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

“The pain of MSMEs in Nigeria ignited a deep passion within me to share my knowledge and experiences with other passionate individuals seeking to turn their innovative ideas into viable products because the world needs to see the capacity and capability of our local industries.

“We can transform local materials into products cherished both locally and globally, reduce our dependence on imports, and build a sustainable, production-based economy from the ground up”.

According to her, The SSE Lab is not just about products but about empowering individuals to redefine marketplaces and elevate ‘Made in Nigeria’ as a badge of honor.

The company also showcased the first cohort of participants from the Manufacturing Business Accelerator (MBA), a flagship program under the SSE Lab, which aims to help entrepreneurs take their product ideas from concept to market in just 12 weeks.

Eboma, noted that the MBA is an intensive course that helps those that are struggling with ideas on how to start a venture and own one in a profitable manner that is scalable or to help accelerate those that are already in business but are operating in a wishy-washy manner to streamline their operations.

She said: “We have three online classes every week and within that 12 weeks , we take you from not knowing what exactly you want to do, we unravel your passion, we align it with your skills and expertise, and we create a product-based business that you can develop, brand, package, market, and sell.”