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A targeted private-sector initiative aimed at strengthening Northern Nigeria’s economic base has delivered hands-on mentorship and business development support to 40 entrepreneurs in Sokoto State.
The programme, known as Business LaunchPad, is an initiative of Horizon Innovation Limited, founded by Ahmad Jagaba. Its first and second editions were held last week, respectively, bringing together selected small-business owners and startup founders for intensive capacity-building sessions designed to accelerate enterprise growth and sustainability.
Unlike conventional entrepreneurship workshops that rely on broad lectures, Business LaunchPad adopts a personalised mentorship model. Participants receive one-on-one guidance from experienced industry professionals, who work with them to analyse business challenges, refine strategies, and develop tailored operational roadmaps suited to Nigeria’s evolving economic environment.
Speaking at the close of the second edition in Sokoto, Jagaba said the initiative was conceived to translate entrepreneurial potential into measurable economic productivity. “Our goal is not simply to train entrepreneurs, but to equip them with practical strategies that enable real business expansion, job creation, and long-term stability,” he said. “When small businesses grow sustainably, they strengthen local economies and contribute meaningfully to national development.” The programme operates through a structured cohort system, enabling participants to benefit from both collaborative learning and individual advisory support.
This hybrid model, organisers say, allows entrepreneurs to exchange ideas while receiving confidential, high-level guidance specific to their industries and growth stages.
Participants were drawn from diverse sectors, including retail, agribusiness, manufacturing, and services. Many reported improvements in financial planning, market positioning, and operational efficiency following the mentorship sessions.
Economic observers in Sokoto describe the initiative as a timely intervention, particularly in a region where small and medium-scale enterprises face constraints such as limited access to expertise, capital, and market intelligence. By focusing on operational strengthening rather than generic training, Business LaunchPad is seen as addressing a critical gap in enterprise development support.
Beyond business performance, the initiative also emphasises social impact through employment generation. Horizon Innovation Limited says participating enterprises are encouraged to adopt growth strategies that expand workforce opportunities and contribute to poverty reduction within their communities.
“The sustainability of any economy depends on the strength of its entrepreneurs,” Jagaba noted. “If we empower innovators with the right tools and mentorship, they become engines of stability and prosperity.”
Following the successful completion of the first two cohorts, Horizon Innovation Limited has announced plans for a third edition of Business LaunchPad. Preparations are underway to expand participation while maintaining the programme’s intensive mentorship structure.
Organisers say the progress recorded by the initial 40 businesses demonstrates the effectiveness of personalised strategic guidance in driving enterprise resilience and economic inclusion in Northern Nigeria.
