SME NETWORK

SME NETWORK
Nigerian Business Roundtable

Small & Medium Enterprise Network is a meeting of small medium sized enterprise operators and their managers in a community,[business networking forum] held every fortnight across the nation
The health of Nigerians economy relies very strongly on the capabilities of a large number of small businesses.
The future of these companies provides general balance of how Nigerians perform both in lifestyles and the outcome of the economy.

For these reasons, it is pertinent that business owners and managers share their hard earned knowledgeable and experience to support their business and the growth of SME in general.

The program helps actual and intending SME operators (Mentorees) grow their business by liaising them with experienced business people (mentors) using a combination of mentoring, coaching and practical business workshops and exhibitions.

Each mentor will be assigned a mentoree or business advisor who each live and do business in the community or any area contiguous.

These advisors or counselors will act as reliable source of feedback and referrals.
SME owners will be required to report their board of advisors on a monthly basis to monitor business progress

SPONSOR/PARTNER WITH US ON SME NETWORK

ATTAIN YOUR BUSINESS OBJECTIVES AND LINK YOUR BUSINESS WITH THOUSAND OF ENTREPRENEURS AND BE RECOGNISED AS ONE OF THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE ENTREPRENEURAL COMMUNITY.

Reserve your sponsorship/partnership today.

SME NETWORK is the premier Small and Medium sized Enterprise [SME] Network in Nigeria. It provides know-how, networking, mentoring and capital formation resources for actual and intending SME operators through organised fortnightly meetings, conferences, seminars programme and business quiz contests/competitions.

Our sponsorship and partnership opportunity enable you reach SME operators and entrepreneur across Nigeria and the neighboring sub-Saharan African.

Why you need to sponsor SME Network Forum?

As a sponsor you promote your product or service to the national and the international business community.
You recieve exposure via web, e-marketing, direct mail, exhibit space and many other opportunities.
You Brand your company through SME Network Programme held every two weeks across the nation and in every community.

Sponsorship/partnership benefit
· Your company logo and contact details included in our online forum accessed by all members who are either business owners or managers.
· Customers /client to the SME Network members will identify you and do business with you.
· You recieve Formal welcome when you become our sponsor /partner and proper recognitions with logos in our Networking meetings/events throughout the year.
· You get dinstinctive branding on invitations to any events.
· Your Company Logo displayed on banners which will be placed on heavy traffic locations.
· Your company logos will be displayed on our website.
· You have opportunity to distribute promotional /informational materials to attendees at selected events, and participate in joint advertising promotions, for example, business card draws, special offers for members, all of which keep the name of your company in the fore front of attendees’ minds.
· You get Exposure via our monthly newsletter. (MARKET POINTER, a weekly business promotion classified and SME updates)

· Major seating at the front of the room/hall [or other position of your choice] of the Network event

· We actively engage speakers who will attract senior people and experts from major organization and thus give you the opportunity to introduce yourselves and your services in an informal setting.

· If you contact us one week before an event and let us know who you would like to sit with, we will arrange this if possible.
You will receive a guest list of events and attendance for subsequent follow up.

TERMS OF SPONSORSHIP
Sme network will provide the benefit it outlined in the proposal to -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------from--------------------------------------------------------------for 1, 2, 3, years in exchange for the following
Consideration for your Your company investment of ………………………………………………………

Category sponsor
The Fastest Growing SME Award
Best Customer Service Award
The Young Entrepreneur Award.
Member of the Year Award
Most Visible Business Award
Skills & Ideas Development Initiatives (SKIDI) Award

Full sponsorship benefit outlined



------------------------- ------------------------------

Sign for and unbehalf

of your company Sign for and on behalf of SKIDI

Date/ / 200 Date / / 200

WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS INITIATIVES (WOBI)

WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS INITIATIVES (WOBI)
WOBI PROGRAMMES
Powered By: Skills & Ideas Development Initiatives (SKIDI)

SKIDI plans to help thousands of lower-income women by breaking the cycle of welfare and dead-end jobs through business management training and personal empowerment.

One third of all privately held businesses in Nigeria are women-owned WOBI reaches women entrepreneurs through this kind of programme.

We invite you to participate in the forth coming WOBI yearly programme. The yearly programme gives women the opportunity to network with who-is-who in the business world while meeting-up-and-coming women entrepreneurs in their community.

Women entrepreneurs are invited to register for these programme scheduled to commence on May 5th 2009. Its is a two weeks programme.
PARTNERSHIP/SPONSORSHIP
Organizations, companies, institutions are invited for partnership. Through partnering with us your company can help the women participants keep their business growing and thriving.
SPONSORSHIP BENEFIT
In addition to getting face time with your employee and client.
You will
Identify participants to do business with you
Promote your business to potential client.
Illustrate your company’s dedication to the community and your charitable giving.
We look forward to you joining the memorable event
Graduates of previous programme have started and expanded over hundred businesses
Participants will be trained on how to create job for them and others increase their own economic vitality when they are given business planning, financing and support.
SKIDI Certificate in Entrepreneurial Development [CED] shall be avoided to participants and follow up service such as mentioning and one-on-one coaching.

Application is here by invited from female business owners for the 2009 programme.
Log on to: www.smedevelopmentcentre.com
Short listed applicant will be required to attend the launching of the Programe on
May 5 2009.

For more information contact us

Skills & Ideas Development Initiatives (SKIDI)
Suit 5 Zach Ade plaza 24 Akowonjo road Egbeda Lagos or call 08035063809.

NEED FOR SME DEVELOPMENT CENTRES

SMALL and Medium Enterprise SMEs play an important role in the Economy of Nigeria and other parts of Africa not only because of the numbers of the numerous establishments but also the variety of their activities.


SME(s) Contribute to rural development, as well as support large industries and serve as catalyst for innovations and adaptation.


SME(S) Can be regarded as a source of Constant renewal in commerce and industry and as well serve as a platform for competition and dynamism.


SME(S) shares the biggest part in Nigeria economy in terms of number, contribution to employment, output and investment.


Nigeria Economic growth is thus totally dependent on the `development of
SMEs in the private sector.

In Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and other major developing African nations SME(s) has become the wellspring to strengthening national competitive advantage.


However our market research shows that SMEs are faced with challenges that hinder development potentials. They include inadequate access to capital to start or grow an enterprise, inadequate business skills to run or manage a business, fast changing technology to match business process, shortage in power supply, unavailability of large term credit from external sources and many others.

The financing problem of SMEs is the worst among these challenges.
The inadequate access to fund to start or grow sources is deeply rooted in demand and supply issues, macroeconomic foundations, and lending infrastructures of the country.


Government policy towards SMEs is insufficient to support SMEs.

For these reasons, emphasizing on SME development as a viable strategy for industrialization and economic development of the country is a key requirement.

More Small and Medium Enterprise Centre should be established to educate the general public and financial institutions to promote exchange of information, experiences and best practices in financing SMEs and promote the sector.

SME development centre or institutes should provide education and direct experience on business operations, entrepreneurial process and culture for students and tertiary institutions through their research sections in order to imbibe the right entrepreneurial spirit after tertiary education.

To get tips on how to start/establish SME Development Centre in your area contact
Henry: tel 08035063809 or email: skidinet@gmail.com

NATIONAL SME DEVELOPMENT CENTRE ESSAY COMPETITION

NATIONAL SME DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
ESSAY COMPETITION
For Small and Medium Sized Enterprise Operators in Nigeria

ESSAY TOPIC:
"SME DEVELOPMENT! A VIABLE SRATEGY FOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT". DISCUSS

The competition will award Six (6) prizes to SME operators that wins. One from each geopolitical zone that includes South West, East and South; North East, West and Central .

Entries are invited from qualified SME operators for submissions.

Submission deadline is July 17 2009 the date of the announcement of winners will be Aug 21 2009 and their essays may be published in selected newspapers and publications.

Submit your essay in a MS word or PDF format only. Every essay must, in addition to the actual essay, include a 100 word abstract of the beginning of the document. Along with the submission, you need to include the following information your full name and mailing address, your telephone number and your business email, your kind of business and the sector e.g. Business Centre, Communication sector,
your Location, official address of someone we may contact on behalf of the business to verify that you are a true representative of the business.

SME operators interested to participate must ensure that the business is fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) (photocopies of registration need to be attached).

You need to submit 2,000 word essay and 100 word abstract
No multiple submissions
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO: smenationalissue@yahoo.com


This competition is a brainchild of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development Centre (SMEDC), a sister project of SKILLS & IDEAS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES (SKIDI) a non governmental organization dedicated to SME Training Development & Advocacy.

The key to poverty alleviation is economic growth that is inclusive and reaches the majority of people. Improving the performance and sustainability of local entrepreneurs including SME operators which represent the backbone of National activities can help achieve this type of growth.

Now here is the question! Can the Government, Businesses, and SME stakeholders be able to ensure the growth of economic activities?
Do government Programmes enough to address SME challenges? Are individual SME operators no matter their kind of venture felt the positive impact of the contributions of SME stakeholders or Government on SME Development?

I leave the answer to these questions to the core of our view.

SPONSORSHIP:

SKIDI is offering an opportunity to interested individuals, corporate bodies, institutions, to become "sponsors" – a privilege that will provide some tangible benefits based on the sponsorship level As a sponsor of this competition apart from the media attention you will receive you can enjoy a range of business benefits, which can be tailor-made to meet your business goals. Reserve your sponsorship today Call Henry Tel: +234 8035063809 or email skidinet@gmail.com.

INAUGAURAL SME DEVELOPMENT CENTRE ESSAY COMPETITION

INAUGAURAL SME DEVELOPMENT CENTRE ESSAY COMPETITION For Students of Tertiary Institutions

ESSAY TOPIC:
NATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISE (SME) CAN ADDRESS CHALLENGES FACING IT ……….DISCUSS.

National strategy for encouraging the development of Small and Medium sized enterprise SMEs in Nigeria can be regarded as a panacea to the challenges facing them
A Call for the Inaugural SME Development Centre Students' Essay competition.
The competition will award three (3) undergraduates students prizes and one (1) graduate student’s prize. Entries are invited from qualified students for submissions Submission deadline is April 17th 2009 the date of the announcement of winners will be May 21 2009 and their essays may be published in selected newspapers and publications.Submit your essay in a MS word or PDF format only.

Both for the graduate and the undergraduate students Every essay must, in addition to the actual essay, include a 100 word abstract of the beginning of the document.

Along with the submission, you need to include the following information your full name and mailing address, you telephone number and your academic email, your degree level and field of study.
Your University or Polytechnic name, official address of someone we may contact at the University (faculty member or official, Department official or registrar) to verify that you are enrolled as a full time student.
Any full time student who studies at an accredited institution nationwide may submit a 2,000 word essay and 100 word abstract Undergraduate students will compete on a separate group while writing on the same question.

No multiple submissions
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO: smenationalissue@yahoo.com

All essays that comply with the essay rules will undergo a competitive process of confidential jury review SME Development jurors, experts, professionals, micro/macro economists, social scientist, educators, and University Dons will evaluate and rank the essays according to the criteria described in the call for essays

This competition is a brainchild of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development Centre (SMEDC), a sister project of SKILLS & IDEAS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES (SKIDI) a non governmental organization dedicated to SME Training Development & Advocacy The key to poverty alleviation is economic growth that is inclusive and reaches the majority of people. Improving the performance and sustainability of local entrepreneurs including SME operators which represent the backbone of National activities can help achieve this type of growth.

Now here is the question!
Can the Government, Businesses, and SME stakeholders be able to ensure the growth of economic activities? Do government Programmes enough to address SME challenges? Are individual SME operators no matter their kind of venture felt the positive impact of the contributions of SME stakeholders or Government on SME Development?

I leave the answer to these questions to the core of our view.

SPONSORSHIP:
SKIDI is offering an opportunity to interested individuals, corporate bodies, institutions, to become "sponsors" – a privilege that will provide some tangible benefits based on the sponsorship level As a sponsor of this competition apart from the media attention you will receive you can enjoy a range of business benefits, which can be tailor-made to meet your business goals.

Reserve your sponsorship today Call Henry Tel: +234 8035063809 or email skidinet@gmail.com.

GET MORE VISIBILITY FOR YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE NATIONWIDE. FIND A PRODUCT OR SERVICE YOU NEED

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MARKET POINTER

Free weekly business promotion classified

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MARKET POINTER HELPS YOU GET MORE VISIBILITY FOR YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE NATIONWIDE.

IT HELPS YOU FIND A PRODUCT OR SERVICE YOU NEED

Ø Do you need more buying customers and paying clients for your business?
Ø Do you need to increase your sales for your products or services? Ø Do you need to be informed of product or service availability nationwide?
Ø Do you need to be informed of events, announcements, and shows & trends?
Ø Do you need to be connected to business or life partner (spouse)?

* I know you need to increase your exposure to the public and reach out to more and more people Then Place your ad in “Market Pointer” your weekly business promotion classified distributed freely nationwide.

A Classified Ad cost N500.00.

You can as well publish your website at just N300.00

Choose your category then send call or email.
Published by Skills and Ideas Development Initiatives (SKIDI) suite 5 Zach Ade plaza 24 Akowonjo rd Egbeda Lagos

To place your Ad call: 08035063809 or send email to: marketpointer@yahoo.com

CLASSIFIED ADS CATEGORIES

You can place your ad according to the following categories.
(1) Announcements,Clubs & Meetings,Gateways

(2) Automotive &Transportation

Airfares & Cruises, Boats, Ships, Trailers, Classic cars, Auto Services, Auto Dealers, Auto Detailing, Motor Cycles Parts and Accessories.

(3) Music & Entertainment

Equipments, Auditions, Entertainments, Equipments for sale, Instruction, Instruments for sale, LP, CD, DVD, MP3, Music Musicians & Bands, Musician services, Recording Studios.

(4) Employments & Job Seekers.

Vacancies, CareerTraining, Employment Services, Job Seekers

(5) Real Estate. Agents /Brokers

Apartments, Land for sale, Land for lease, Apartment for rent, Condones & Town Houses, Apartments/House for sales, fore Closures, Business for sale.
(6) Personals, Connections & Matchmaking

Men Seeking Men, Men seeking Women, Women Seeking Women, Women seeking Men, Business Partnership, Wanted Persons, Search for old friends/Profile ads, Business Connection
(7) Technology, Mobile, Business/Office equipments

Computer Laptops, Mobile Phones, Printers, Scanners, Computer accessories, Switches & Modem
(8) Electronics. Television, DVD, Video, Digital Camera, Radio, Electric iron, Toaster e.t.c
(9) Services:

Education, Law, Health, Architect, Child Care, Tailoring &Fashion, Furniture & Carpentry, Computer/Internet services/Advertising & Marketing.

(10) Household items, Consumables & Manufacturing items

Arts and Crafts, Stationeries, Food and Drinks, Antiques and Collectibles, Body care and Beauty, Home Furnishings, Interior decorations.
(11) Health, Mind Body & Spirit Alternative Healing

Guidance and Counseling, Health & Beauty, Health &Fitness, Body Building, Massage Therapy, Religion & Churches, Hobbies, Mosques and Religious centers.

TO PLACE YOUR ADS ON ANY OF THE ABOVE CATEGORIES SEND YOUR BUSINESS NAME, PHONE NUMBER, LOCATION AND CATEGORY YOU NEED TO PLACE TO marketpointer@yahoo.com OR CALL HENRY TEL +234 8035063809, 01-8792089

NEEDED URGENTLY: Marketing Executives and Representatives are urgently needed for MARKET POINTER across the federation. Interested persons can call: 08035063809 or email marketpointer@yahoo.com.