Connect young innovators with business in need!

Dear Leadership Initiatives Donor,

We are excited to share that this training cycle, 45 new entrepreneurs in Bauchi, Nigeria, completed an intensive Business Training Program through Leadership Initiatives. Over the past months, each business owner met regularly with their Project Coordinator and a team of U.S. high school interns to build a real partnership, learn the nuances of doing business in Bauchi, and turn ideas into workable plans. Together they explored practical topics like pricing, cash flow, supplier relationships, seasonal demand, trust-based sales, and the psychology of effective branding. With guidance from their interns, many owners created a basic branding kit, drafted simple logos and price boards, set weekly sales targets, and launched WhatsApp catalogs and neighborhood outreach that meet customers where they are.

Your support also provided a critical startup package so each entrepreneur could open with confidence. All 45 received seed funding for initial inventory or tools, a shop location in an accessible area, and rent support for the first two years. Every owner signed a five-year commitment to continue working with Leadership Initiatives, which means ongoing mentorship, monthly monitoring, and timely problem-solving as they grow. We will track sales, savings, inventory turnover, customer growth, apprenticeships, and jobs created so that support remains targeted and effective.

We have already seen the ripple effect begin. New shops keep money circulating locally, reduce travel for daily essentials, and inspire neighbors to take smart risks. One example is Jabir, a tailor who once worked from home fixing hems for friends. Through training, he mapped his costs, set a clear price list, and adopted a simple service rhythm so customers know when to get measurements and when to pick up. With seed capital, he purchased a reliable machine and core supplies, and with the first two years of rent support, he can reinvest early earnings instead of worrying about overhead. He launched a WhatsApp catalog with before-and-after photos and referral messages for nearby women’s groups, and he is preparing to welcome his first apprentice in the months ahead.

Looking ahead, our team will continue coaching on record-keeping, budgeting, and inventory planning, especially as holiday demand approaches. We will also help owners refine their marketing routines, strengthen supplier relationships, and prepare micro-grant proposals for targeted equipment and improvements that raise quality and margins. The dedication and creativity shown by these new business owners and their intern partners have been crucial to the progress so far. Your generosity made it possible for another 45 families to open their doors with a plan, a place, and a path forward.

On behalf of everyone at Leadership Initiatives, thank you for your ongoing support. If you would like to get more involved or learn additional ways to assist, please contact our Executive Director, Marshall Bailly, at mbailly@lichange.org. Your engagement is invaluable to us and we could not do this without you!

Sincerely,

The Leadership Initiatives Team