Borno Startup Ignite | Designed to foster the growth of MSMEs and Startups by strengthening and promoting the regional trade hub – This initiative is designed to foster the growth of MSMEs and Startups by strengthening and promoting the regional trade hub

BORNO STARTUPS IGNITE OVERVIEW

The Development Hub – Centre for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Development aligns with the “Regional Trade Hub,” one of the five key drivers of the strategic pillars outlined in Borno State 25-year development framework and 10-year strategic transformation plan. This initiative is designed to foster the growth of MSMEs and Startups by strengthening and promoting the regional trade hub.

In collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, this project aims to connect entrepreneurs with enterprise innovation needs, enhance their capacity, and facilitate fundraising activities for venture capital and Startups in the region. As part of this effort, the BORNO STARTUPS IGNITE 2025 will be hosted under the theme: “Igniting Innovation & Growth for MSMEs/Startups.”

The inaugural Borno Startups Ignite will be a three-day forum held in Maiduguri from 22 to 24 May, 2025. Over the course of three days, 50 MSMEs/Startups, founders, Tech and Innovation hub leads, and venture capitalists from the region will convene to explore ways the public and private sectors can collaborate to build a sustainable innovative business ecosystem in the state. Discussions will focus on how MSMEs and startups can identify new markets, attract customers, develop innovative business models, increase revenues, and achieve profitability.

GOALS 💯

Empower MSMEs & Startups

Equip entrepreneurs with essential business skills, operational strategies, and financial management techniques for sustainable growth.

Boost Regional Trade & Economy

Promote innovation-driven entrepreneurship and foster collaboration between government agencies, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Facilitate Investment & Funding

Connect startups with venture capitalists, private investors, and financial institutions to enhance capital accessibility.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

Establish a networking and collaboration platform for both tech and non-tech entrepreneurs to foster value chain growth and indigenous content development.
Provide recommendations and guidance for MSMEs and startups by granting access to essential management and business startup information, enabling them to create and commercialize innovative products, systems, and services.
Disseminate valuable information on intervention programs from public and private organizations that offer support and resources for MSMEs and startups.
Strengthen the public-private sector partnership to drive regional economic development through various initiatives that empower MSMEs and startups.

Expand private financing opportunities for MSMEs and startups by bridging the gap between fund suppliers and entrepreneurs in need of financial support.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES 🎯

Enhanced Networking & Collaboration

– Establishes a robust platform for tech and non-tech entrepreneurs to collaborate, share ideas, and explore synergies in business development.

– Strengthens regional connections between MSMEs, startups, industry experts, and venture capitalists.

Capacity Building & Business Development

– Provides structured training sessions focused on essential business aspects like marketing, financial management, operations, and customer relations.

– Empowers entrepreneurs with practical skills to scale their businesses and achieve sustainability.

Access to Investment & Financial Resources

– Facilitates fundraising opportunities by connecting startups with potential investors, including venture capitalists and private funding sources.

– Helps bridge the gap between capital suppliers and entrepreneurs in need of funding.

Public-Private Sector Strengthening

– Encourages collaborative efforts between government agencies and private enterprises to foster a thriving startup ecosystem.

– Provides insights into available support programs from public and private organizations.

Regional Economic Growth & Innovation

– Boosts economic development by igniting innovation and entrepreneurship across the region.

– Supports the commercialization of new products, services, and systems through guided mentorship and capacity-building initiatives.

Market Expansion & Revenue Growth for Startups

– Helps MSMEs and startups identify new markets, attract customers, and refine business models to improve revenue generation.

– Equips businesses with competitive strategies to thrive in evolving economic landscapes.

Recognition & Thought Leadership

– Positions participating entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs as leaders in innovation and business transformation.

– Provides access to keynote speeches and expert panel discussions for strategic insights.

TIMELINE OF THE PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Day 1 & 2

The In-Class Session: Intensive training for 50 MSMEs/Startups on key business strategies, including business modeling, marketing, operations management, financial management, and customer relationship management.

Day 3

The Mentorship Session: Featuring keynote speeches from industry experts and public sector leaders, alongside panel discussions that provide actionable insights.

Catalyzing Regional Growth Through Innovation and Enterprise