As A Billion Startups embarks on its transformative journey with a fresh cohort, we turn to the voices of experience – John Esho, founder of Rich Gardens, Patrick Inzianis, an advertising and marketing entrepreneur, Ian Mwangi, immersed in property software management, and Gado, a Director, Editor, and Founder at Reyo Films International – to consider how they felt about being a part of the program.
Feedback from previous enrollees is a hugely important factor of the A Billion Startups initiative. The program is, after all, designed to be self-propagating. The hope is that each new entrepreneur that passes through the program will go on to provide mentorship for new cohort members. That’s why it is key that we learn from previous participants.
John Esho reveals the program’s transformative impact on overcoming funding challenges, marking a pivotal shift from startup to a sustainable agricultural business.
Patrick Inzianis echoes the positive influence of ABS, stating, “The program equipped me with the skills to build the key pillars of business,” emphasizing a holistic experience that shaped his entrepreneurial perspective.
Ian Mwangi, who works in the property software management sector, credits A Billion Startups with giving him the knowledge to formulate business plans and network effectively. These insights proved crucial for his business’ transition to larger projects.
Success stories resonate as the heartbeat of ABS. John recalls a significant moment when the program demystified the process of acquiring funding, propelling his agricultural venture to sustainability. For Ian, the program marked the turning point as he successfully pitched to investors, culminating in the sale of his business.
In their own words:
Can you share your startup journey with A Billion Startups?
John:
I started my farm Rich Gardens in 2012, it is no longer a startup now. The program helped me overcome funding challenges.
Ian:
When I joined the program I was in tech, selling property management software, I found the program guidance very useful at the time.
Patrick:
It was very positive, the program equipped me with the skills to build the key pillars of my business overtime and help me to understand business.
Gado:
Presently, I manage Reyo Films International, specializing in video production. Initially, I operated as a solo venture in photo and video production. The program guided me in transitioning to a joint venture and taught me effective methods for presenting my business concepts to potential investors.
In what ways did the A Billion Startups program help you overcome common startup challenges in Africa?
John:
The program taught me how to raise capital and approach potential stakeholders, which were major hurdles initially.
Ian:
The program provided me with insights into the business world and equipped me with the necessary tools to tackle challenges.
Patrick:
The program provided access to valuable information about businesses, transforming me from a business person to an entrepreneur.
Gado:
ABS addressed the fear associated with scaling a business, emphasizing the importance of taking risks.
Would you recommend the A Billion Startups program to other aspiring entrepreneurs? Why or why not?
John:
Absolutely. The A Billion Startups program offers comprehensive learning about starting a business.
Ian:
Yes, because of the exposure, networking opportunities, and sense of belonging the A Billion Startups program provides.
Patrick:
Yes, I would encourage entrepreneurs to seek out any source of information about businesses, including the A Billion Startups program.
Gado:
Certainly. ABS provides a wealth of learning opportunities from a diverse group of entrepreneurs.
A Billion Startups: a program made for and by its participants
There is much to be gained from being a part of the A Billion Startups program. The networking opportunities, workshops, professional expertise and educational opportunities are just some of the benefits that enrolment offers.
All of the previous participants we quoted in this article drew on these benefits and managed to convert the lessons they learnt into obvious development for their business. We are incredibly happy to have been a part of the process that helped their businesses evolve in the ways they have described above.
These businesses, and the incredible people behind them, are now a part of the A Billion Startups alumni family. From their successes, and with the help of their feedback and continued involvement in the program’s development, the A Billion Startups program is now even better placed to ensure that the next cohort of businesspeople reach their potential.
