Shadowing a shadow program: how do young entrepreneurs fare?
Being a portfolio Manager to young entrepreneurs is an exciting and rewarding experience. In essence, I provide support to Anzisha Prize fellows so that they can succeed in their entrepreneurial journey. Although there is a specific support package that has been designed for each entrepreneur; the support remains limitless. It can range from a simple “how’s it going?” on WhatsApp to a trip all over Africa to meet these very young entrepreneurs. It requires reading reports, articles, participating in conferences to be up to date to better support these brilliant entrepreneurs. In other words, this work requires that one is always ready to learn.
First, a brief history of the program. The Shadow Program is one of the support opportunities provided to our very young entrepreneurs (VYEs). The Shadow Program has been designed to provide the opportunity for our VYEs to spend time in companies or with business owners that are experienced in various industries.
The Shadow Program took place in Nairobi, from March 1 to March 15, 2020. Six brilliant young entrepreneurs were involved in the Shadow Program. These entrepreneurs are Yaw Duffour (Founder of Agripool, Benedicte Mundele (Co-founder of Surprise Tropicale), Asha Abbas Kombo (Founder of Aura Teens), Ibrahima Ben Aziz Konate (Founder of Volaille d’Or), Chineyenwa Okoro Onu (Co-founder of Waste or Create Hub) and Aldred Dogue ( Founder of Africa Foods Mill).
Here is what I learnt from the pilot Shadow program:
1. Access to investments
Young entrepreneurs hold both innovative ideas and successful companies in high-risk settings. Therefore, the best way to support young entrepreneurs on investment points is to help them find an effective way to prove that their ideas are great and their companies have been able to minimise the risks that exist.
2. Brand building
I have always pushed young entrepreneurs to do everything possible to have a website, to be present on social networks or any other platform that most of their target markets use. I have realised that an entrepreneur is the pillar of their brand. It is, therefore, imperative to help very young entrepreneurs cultivate their images and personalities so that their brand vision is well-reflected.
3. Belief
Young entrepreneurs must be encouraged to believe in themselves and act quickly. Some of the young entrepreneurs have more than 8 years of experience but fail to unlock their full potential.
4. The power of networking and proximity
Organising a shadow program in a setting whereby young entrepreneurs can meet and interact with each other has many benefits. Although most of the entrepreneurs are from different backgrounds, they can recognise similarities and connect to grow their businesses. The power of their connection lies in the fact that they are navigating their entrepreneurial journey as young people. They understand on a deeper level what it means to be young and be taken seriously.
5. Customer experience
Most of the time when working with young entrepreneurs, we emphasise on improving the number of customers through the quality of their products. The customer care services strategies need to be given considerable time in discussion.
Finally, the shadow program was an experience that changed the way I saw my work. By talking to young entrepreneurs, listening to their stories, it is easy to feel the passion and motivation they have for their companies and in turn, makes my job that more enjoyable.
