OCN April Newsletter (copy 03)

Announcing our New LogoWe got great news!Following our steady growth, Orange Corners has refreshed to a brand that speaks to the vibrant, young, inclusive, innovative and positive feel of the programme. We have a new look but the same attitude and goals to contribute to a positive entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East. We are excited to share this journey with you. To know more about our brand, click 

HERE

Pivoting to Digital for Incubation SupportThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to major health, economic and social setbacks. To prevent the spread of the virus,  on March 20, 2020 all physical activities of Orange Corners Nigeria were postponed. This was decided in compliance with the precautionary measure of social distancing advised by National and International Health bodies and as directed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.For start-up entrepreneurs this is an especially difficult time and we want to ensure our Incubatees are prepared for the adverse effects of the current situation on their businesses as well as other foreseen and unforeseen challenges. Now more than ever, business owners require support, such as the right information on how to develop growth strategies for their businesses, the right network and mentoring support to provide guidance on peculiar challenges and funding to test and develop ideas.We are happy to announce that we have successfully pivoted to digital, taking full advantage of tools that enable learning and engagement to continue providing support to the Incubatees. It is business as usual at Orange Corners Nigeria and we encourage entrepreneurs to continuously work on their models and discover new or innovative ways to develop their processes so that it can stand the test of time.

Highlights of Our E-Learning SessionsUsing the Zoom Webinar, our E-learning Sessions began March 24, 2020 with a training on Pricing Strategy. We have gone on to have sessions on other relevant areas such as Product development strategy, Managing People(Staff, Vendors, Partners, Investors) and reviewing the business models of the Incubatees.The Incubatees receive an average of 5 hours of training per week and are scheduled to have training and advisory sessions on Customer journey mapping and efficient customer service, developing digital strategies, building high performing teams,legal and tax requirements for running a business this April.

Featuring our IncubateesIsaac Oladipupo is the Co founder of Afrilearn an education technology company integrating quality teachers, software developers and animators to deliver excellent education for Africans,anywhere.To contribute to bridging the gap in the Education sector caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He has developed ClassNotes.ng  an education resource platform that provides each student an opportunity to learn subjects and topics they want, when they want it, and at the pace they want it. Now, students also get to study ahead of their respective classes through the school year. And it is FREE for all to use. Schools, teachers and parents are also making use of the platform to home school their children.The site was launched on the 5th of April,2020 and since then has a soaring 63800 views and appreciative comments from students, parents, teachers and schools. The Afrilearn team is working hard to provide more content to the secondary school curriculum to ensure greater impact.

Elizabeth Falodun is the founder of Tai OmoAkin Afrikana, an indigenous Nigeria textile brand that designs, makes, sells and trains people on how to create Wax-resist dye textiles traditionally known in Nigeria as Batik/Adire. She also designs patterns on art works and clothing. Her goal is to own a studio, a walk in store/Gallery, to organise solo exhibitions and open house and to feature in both Nigeria and international fashion industry as a textile brand. In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Elizabeth provides training on how to create Wax-resist dye textiles also known as Batik via social media platforms. This way she is able to reach and train more people on the art of Batik making. She began her virtual training on April 8, 2020 and trained 13 people in the first week.

For further information about the Orange Corners Nigeria Programme, please contact us via Email: [email protected], [email protected] or Mobile: +234-8141722653, +234-8097824979Stay safe!Cindy K. IkpeCommunity Manager, Orange Corners NigeriaFATE Foundation