Dear Valued Subscribers,
As we continue to forge ahead with our mission in May, we extend a sincere welcome to our valued business owners. We understand the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts you invest in your businesses. Your success is our mission, and we remain committed to providing you with the resources and support necessary to navigate the ever-changing business landscape.
Last week, we had conversations with over 15 fellow entrepreneurs from the conversations, it is safe to say and financial hurdles are a common roadblock on the exciting, yet challenging, path of entrepreneurship.
Navigating funding opportunities, crafting a grant proposal, or simply figuring out how to manage cash flow better, securing the financial resources needed for growth can feel like a complex puzzle. Regardless, there are ways to break the code! We have made some research, and we are happy to share some financial resources that we thought could be helpful.
The World Bank's Business Finance Guide provides a step-by-step approach to financing your business, from identifying funding needs to choosing the right option while the Startup Toolkit developed by the International Finance Corporation, offers practical resources and templates to help you develop a business plan, secure funding, and manage your finances effectively.
Now, let's talk about taking your financial planning to the next level with the Spurt! Business Community. We understand that every business is unique, and so are its financial needs. That's why we offer personalised support to help you navigate the complexities of finance.
As a member of the community, you will gain access to a lot of benefits, including:
Free Finance Clinics: Connect with our experienced finance experts and get personalised guidance on budgeting, cash flow management, and funding options tailored to your specific business.
Exclusive Content & Tools for financial planning, bookkeeping, and accessing capital.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other entrepreneurs and share best practices for overcoming financial challenges.
Joining the Spurt! Business Community is easy and free! Click on this link to become a member now!
Remember, you can always reach out with questions or suggestions at growth@spurt.group. We are here to help you thrive!
Spurt! Upcoming Events This Month
This Month, Spurt! is dedicated to helping you achieve sustainable success through a powerful balance of drive and self-care. Our theme, "Balance Your Drive to Succeed with Self-Care," reflects the importance of prioritising your well-being alongside your business ambitions.
Mark your calendars for these exciting events designed to empower you:
May 17th: Webinar - Business Success vs. Toxic Hustle: When is the Line?
The line between healthy ambition and unsustainable hustle can be blurry. This interactive webinar explores the concept of toxic hustle culture, its pitfalls, and its impact on your well-being and business performance. Learn to identify the signs, develop strategies for setting boundaries, and discover how to achieve success without sacrificing your health and happiness.
(Reserve your spot for the "Business Success vs. Toxic Hustle" webinar!)
May 28th: Masterclass - Strategies for Balancing Productivity and Mental Well-being
Feeling overwhelmed by your workload? Struggling to maintain focus while juggling business demands? This masterclass equips you with practical strategies to create a healthy work-life balance. Learn to prioritise tasks effectively, optimise your workflow, and cultivate mindfulness practices that enhance both your productivity and your mental well-being.
Introducing the Naija Hustle Series
Several studies have found out that Nigerian businesses can achieve significant cost savings and efficiency gains by leveraging local products and services? The days of relying solely on foreign options are over!
The Nigerian entrepreneurial landscape is brimming with innovation. From innovative fintech solutions to ingenious marketing tools, Nigerian companies are developing solutions specifically tailored to the needs of the local market.
The Naija Hacks Series – a dynamic three-month webinar series presented by Spurt and Sidebrief – is your chance to discover these powerful local alternatives.
Spurt and Sidebrief are partnering to bring you a dynamic three-month webinar series designed to equip Nigerian entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to thrive with local innovation. Learn how to:
Here is a Sneak Peek at the Value-Packed Lineup (All Webinars at 5:00pm WAT):
June 6th: Effective Financial Planning: Master the art of financial planning and mitigate business uncertainties with expert guidance.
June 20th: Retention Revolution: Unlock the secrets to building and retaining a dream team that propels your startup forward.
July 4th: Business Consulting & Advisory: Navigate the complexities of running an African business with expert consulting and advisory services tailored to the Nigerian market.
July 18th: Selling Smart: Learn how to craft a winning marketing strategy even with a limited budget, leveraging the power of local marketing channels.
August 1st: Digital Advantage: Explore the transformative power of early adoption of indigenous digital tools designed specifically for the needs of Nigerian businesses, enhancing operational efficiency.
August 15th: Bootstrapping to Scale: Discover simplified accounting solutions specifically designed for growing Nigerian businesses on a budget.
Mark your calendars! This is your chance to gain invaluable insights, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and unlock the competitive edge of local innovation for long-term success. Stay tuned for registration details coming soon!
Thrive, Don't Just Survive: Self-Care Hacks for the Ambitious Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs, we know you wear multiple hats and juggle a million tasks. The drive to succeed is commendable, but it is crucial to prioritise your well-being too. A burnt-out leader is no leader at all.
Here are some insightful tips and practical strategies to help you thrive, not just survive, in the exciting world of entrepreneurship.
Register for our upcoming webinar to learn more!
Just Before We Go: Spreading Love to African Businesses
Before we wrap up this edition of our newsletter, we want to highlight a fantastic opportunity to empower fellow African entrepreneurs! We all know the challenges faced by MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), and sometimes a little boost can make a world of difference.
That is why we are on the hunt for some amazing African businesses deserving of our special MSME Gift Pack. This pack is designed to supercharge their operations and fuel their growth journey.
Here is what is included in the MSME Gift Pack:
A Free Consultation Session: Our team of experts will offer valuable insights and guidance tailored to their specific needs.
Complimentary 6-Month Sync! Subscription (Subject to Eligibility): They will gain access to our powerful project management tool, helping them stay organised and efficient.
One Customised Training Session (Subject to Eligibility): We will provide a training session focused on an area most beneficial to their growth.
Do You Know a Deserving Entrepreneur? We are not mind readers, but we know you are surrounded by incredible African businesses. So, if you have someone in mind who would benefit from this gift pack, nominate them today! Click the link below to recommend them, and let's help them reach new heights.
Click Here to Nominate an African Business for the MSME Gift Pack! Let's make it happen!
Business News This Week
Ghana- The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) is celebrating a record-breaking month. Market capitalisation surged to a whopping GH¢80.20 billion in April 2024, reflecting strong investor confidence. Significant gains across companies like GCB, MTN Ghana, and Camelot, along with a healthy rise in the GSE Composite Index. Read More Here
Nigeria - The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) is urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reconsider its recent implementation of a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on electronic transactions as this levy is an unexpected burden on the private sector and this levy could discourage electronic transactions in underserved areas, hindering financial inclusion efforts. Read More Here.
Kenya- The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has joined forces with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to empower Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with tax knowledge and support. This significant partnership aims to cultivate a culture of tax compliance and promote sustainable business practices within the MSME sector, a vital driver of the Kenyan economy. Read More Here.
South Africa - South Africa's auto industry exports surge, driving a positive trade balance despite challenges like import reliance and the EU's upcoming ban on combustion vehicles. Read More Here.
Grant and Opportunities
Call For Applications: Hangzhou Innovation Challenge. Hangzhou Innovation Challenge is for founders building smart industries, high-tech innovations, strategic emerging industries, and revitalization of traditional sectors. The mission of the Challenge is to invigorate the innovation ecosystem, spark creative dynamism, foster investments in groundbreaking ideas.
Grant Amount: Up to $800K Application Deadline: 31st May 2024. Apply Here
Call For Applications: Gen F Entrepreneur in Residence 202 for spiring entrepreneur or founder with an early idea/concept who need a support partner to ignite it. Gen F gives you an experimentation budget and access to experts to test and launch your idea.
Grant Amount : Up to $250K. Application Deadline: 1st June 2024. Apply Here.
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2024. The program and support are specially designed for young people with an idea or project at an early stage in its development. However, they welcome social entrepreneurs and businesses at a more advanced stage of their start-up journey Open to anyone aged 18-30 years).
Grant Amount: Up to $10,000 Application Deadline: 27th May 2024. Apply Here
