Telecommunications company, 9mobile, has launched the first edition of its mentorship programme, ‘The Hack’, to support and promote entrepreneurs in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) space.

The initiative aims to solve specific challenges faced by entrepreneurs, with a focus on limitless possibilities in the SME sector.

Business expert, Tricia Olufemi-Olumide (Triciabiz), shared ideas and strategies to groom, scale, and overcome challenges in business.

She said: “You need to develop different quality levels, new features, improve technology, look across complementary products and services offering, sales channel optimisation and promotional strategy in growing your business.

“In growing your business, market penetration is important by knowing who your target audience is, selling your existing products to new markets or internationally, and considering developing your products to attract more sales.”

Commenting on the initiative, Director of Marketing Communications, 9mobile, Saidat Lawal-Mohammed, said the initiative is targeted at small businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking for support to grow their businesses, has partnered with Triciabiz and a couple of other people who have business experience adding values to small business owners.

She said: “I urge every participant to implement some of the information gathered, which is why it is The Hack. It is a way to learn how to jumpstart, wherever you are. That is the purpose of calling it a hack because they have pictured a hack or two that they can begin to implement in their own business and start to see the result almost immediately, changing the ways they are doing things currently.” 

Speaking on technology as a strategic enabler for start-ups in businesses, Director of Strategy, 9mobile, Karn Gulati, noted that start-ups should be realistic, involve in delivery and marketing, and use digital technology to overcome challenges faced.
 
He said: “Technology enhances and improves staff productivity, ensuring you keep it structured, simple and learn to attract investors, and rely on data-driven decision-making through analytics and programming.”