The Summit began with Prayers and an opening speech from the CEO And Founder, Richard Sodienye Nelson Pepple, on that fine Saturday morning, November 9th, 2024.
Hosted by Francis Ezeonu and Mona Lisa Green
He appreciated the Mixed Audience and encouraged them to Fully Network, engage, and learn as much as they could.
He reiterated that Evolve is all about onboarding Young minds into tech and the vast opportunities that are available in the Ecosystem with all the tech options available.
The speaker expressed his gratitude for the diverse audience present, emphasizing the importance of networking, engagement, and learning. He encouraged everyone to seize the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights from the wealth of knowledge and experience within the room.
He reiterated that the core purpose of Evolve is to cultivate young talent and introduce them to the dynamic world of technology.
The event serves as a platform to inspire and empower aspiring technologists, showcasing the vast array of opportunities that exist within the thriving tech ecosystem. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, Evolve aims to nurture the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Moving on to the summit #ETSB24, The throwback video was shown on the last Evolve Summit. Indeed many have pioneered their careers in tech as a EVOLVE being the reason behind it.
It’s all energy and vibes here at Evolve ’24
Next up was a virtual session with current Assistant EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SMEDAN,and he titled this session- THE ROLE OF SMEDAN AND THEIR SUPPORT FOR SMEs.DR Olubumi Kole- Dawodu Assistant Director – SMEDAN.
He went on to introduce their new working document, called THE GROW DOCUMENT, which will become effective in 2025 for all SMEs; he highlighted the impact and significance of SMEs, hence why the Grow Document was initiated.
He has worked with SMEDAN for over 2 decades, and they build capacity on various levels; they do monetary and evaluation. They have had 6 Director Generals, and the current Director, General, Mr Charles Odii is a Young Innovator, The speaker then introduced a groundbreaking initiative, “THE GROW DOCUMENT,” which is set to revolutionize the operations of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) starting in 2025. Recognizing the vital role that SMEs play in driving economic growth and job creation, the Grow Document was designed to provide a comprehensive framework for their development and success. He emphasized that this initiative is not limited to a specific industry or sector. From skilled artisans and culinary experts to fashion designers and countless other entrepreneurs, the Grow Document offers a wide range of benefits. By leveraging the expertise and resources provided by SMEDAN, SMEs can enhance their business practices, improve productivity, and unlock new opportunities. The speaker highlighted that the Grow Document will empower SMEs to:
- Streamline Operations: By providing efficient tools and strategies to manage their businesses effectively.
- Access Funding: Facilitating access to financial resources and investment opportunities
- Enhance Marketing and Sales: Helping SMEs to reach a wider audience and increase their market share.
- Improve Productivity: Implementing innovative techniques to optimize operations and reduce costs.
- Build Strong Partnerships: Connecting SMEs with industry leaders, mentors, and potential collaborators. By adopting the Grow Document, SMEs can position themselves for long-term growth and success, contributing to the overall economic prosperity of the nation.
He hinted further to the Audience ,the kind of Expertise that can benefit from the SMEDAN initiative, From artisans to Caterers to fashion designers, etc
