Newletter

July – Welcome to H2

As we round up the first month of the second half of the year, July has brought renewed energy and focus for Startup Kano. This month has been packed with exciting and impactful activities, from dynamic workshops to meaningful community engagements, all aimed at fostering innovation, growth, and community development. Below is a roundup of the key events: USPF Workshop We kicked off the month with the USPF Workshop on 1st & 2nd July, which focused on enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity. This event underscored the importance of providing communities with better access to digital tools and resources, a critical step towards inclusive growth. SDC Startup School Visit On 16th July, Cynthia E. Chisom from SDC Startup School paid a visit to Startup Kano. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to discuss innovative approaches and entrepreneurial strategies. SDC Startup School’s commitment to fostering startups and supporting new entrepreneurs aligns perfectly with our mission at Startup Kano. Mercy Corps Feed the Future Visit The following day, on 17th July, we welcomed Nurein Abdulfattah and Jamila Mahdi from Mercy Corps Feed the Future, Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity. Our discussions focused on enhancing rural resilience and food security, with a particular emphasis on strategic planning and improving rural livelihoods. Their dedication to these critical areas is truly inspiring. British Council Visit We were also honored to engage with Richard Garrett and Yahaya Joseph Janga from the British Council on 18th July. Their focus on promoting education and development through non-formal channels was a major highlight. The discussions underscored the importance of empowering communities through education, a crucial aspect of sustainable development. GIRL-H Program Job Fair and Skills Workshop The GIRL-H Program Job Fair and Skills Workshop, held on 24th & 25th July, was one of the major event this month. Hosted by IsaWali Empowerment Initiative in collaboration with Mercy Corps, the two-day event was a platform to connect passionate young women and girls with skills and networks crucial for their growth. Startup Kano was invited to facilitate a session on ‘Networking for Business Growth Workshop’ provided valuable insights into building strategic partnerships and mentorships. Arewa Radio 93.1 FM On 24th July, Amina Idris represented Startup Kano at Kano Mu Zauna Lafiya, a program by Arewa Radio. The discussion was on the critical role parents play in overseeing their children’s use of social media. The conversation highlighted the need for digital literacy and responsible online behavior, a timely topic in today’s digital age. Emotional Intelligence for Work-Life Balance Workshop The Northern Therapist in collaboration with Startup Kano, hosted a workshop focusing on ‘Emotional Intelligence for Work-Life Balance,’ on 27th July, as part of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. This workshop emphasized the significance of emotional intelligence in managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, particularly for men. Annual Skills Festival and Session Finally, we wrapped up the month with the Annual Skills Festival and Session by Enthuse Entrepreneurship School on 28th July, a vibrant event showcasing a range of skills and promoting continuous learning. It was an excellent opportunity to foster a culture of skill development and showcase the talents within our community. As we look forward to August, we remain committed to driving positive change and supporting our community through innovation, education, and collaboration. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and events!

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June – Last Month of H1

June has been a vibrant month filled with productive engagements, workshops, and collaborative visits. As we embrace the new month, let’s look back at the significant activities that have shaped our journey in the last month of H1. Zainpay Academy Visit We kicked off the month with an insightful visit to Beta Stack’s Zainpay Academy on June 11th, where we explored opportunities for collaboration with software developers. Zainpay Academy, known for its innovative solutions, introduced us to their system designed to streamline the disbursement of payments and scheduling on a single platform. The visit opened doors for potential partnerships and enhancements in our operational processes. Online Stakeholders Engagement Session on the Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (DSE) Course Also on June 11th, we were invited to the online stakeholders engagement session focused on the Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (DSE) course. This session proved to be highly impactful, with over 100 stakeholders participating and staying engaged throughout the proceedings. The discussion centered around improving digital literacy for entrepreneurs and gathering feedback to refine the DSE course. Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (DSE) Course – Validation and Contextualisation Workshop From June 24th to 28th, we participated in the DSE Course Validation and Contextualisation Workshop. This event was dedicated to validating and contextualizing the curriculum for the Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs course, particularly focusing on women and youth-owned MSMEs. Key objectives included: Co-creating the DSE training course and methodology with stakeholders. Reviewing and validating the curriculum to improve digital literacy and skills for MSMEs. Aligning the curriculum with Nigerian industry standards and digital trends. Establishing a state-based steering community to support the rollout of the DSE course. The workshop successfully produced validated, user-centered training formats, enhancing women’s skills in using digital solutions for their economic activities. The Watch Party by Config, Hosted by Friends of Figma Kano We closed the month with the highly anticipated Watch Party by Config on June 29th. Hosted by Friends of Figma Kano at eHealth Africa, this conference brought together the brightest minds in design and development. Over two days, attendees delved into the latest trends, tools, and techniques in collaboration, prototyping, and design systems. Participants also had the opportunity to receive exclusive Figma and Config swag, adding an exciting touch to the event. WISH Community’s Inspiring Fireside Chat On the same day, we were invited to the WISH Community’s Fireside Chat at Milestones and Memories. This inspiring event featured the founders of the WISH Society sharing their vision, challenges, and triumphs. It was a unique opportunity to connect with their journey, blending creativity and passion, and offering insights into building impactful community initiatives. We look forward to continuing our journey together and achieving more milestones in H2.

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May – A Month to Remember (Newsletter)

Happy Global Day of Parents! Let’s honor the incredible love, strength, and guidance our parents give us every day. Let’s also take a moment to reflect on the remarkable activities and achievements of May. This past month is surely one to remember. Here’s a look back at what we accomplished: Introducing CRC – Citizen Reporting Cross-Platform In every community, the voices of its citizens are the foundation of progress. However, the lack of efficient and user-friendly platforms for citizens to report and address local issues has long been a barrier to realizing community accountability, transparency, and collaboration between citizens and government agencies. More issues regarding infrastructure, waste management, and public safety hazards persist due to the lack of accessible reporting mechanisms. Recognizing these challenges, Startup Kano introduced the CRC – Citizen Reporting Cross-Platform. This innovative solution aims to bridge the gap between citizens and local authorities, ensuring that community voices are heard and acted upon. Mercy Corps RAA Event NE In an effort to catalyze investment and stimulate regional development, the Business Networking Forum and Trade Fair 2024 took place in Yola, Nigeria, on May 16-17. Under the Feed the Future Initiative, the U.S. government’s global hunger and food security program, this event focused on the theme “Reaching the Last Mile with Quality Product and Services, Strengthen Market Systems Resilience and Enhance Sustainable Economy in the Northeast.” The forum brought together key stakeholders from various sectors to discuss, network, and explore opportunities for sustainable growth and development in the region. Startup Kano was honored to participate as partners in this significant event. CRC Press Conference The virtual press conference on the Citizen Reporting Cross-Platform (CRC) took place on May 22nd, 2024. This event was a pivotal moment as we discussed CRC, its impact on the community, and how it bridges the gap between citizens and local authorities. The press conference highlighted how CRC will revolutionize civic engagement and community accountability. CRC Stakeholder Engagement On May 23rd, 2024, we hosted a CRC Stakeholder Engagement session. This event gathered input and perspectives on civic engagement, offering diverse viewpoints on how citizens can actively participate in community affairs. Together, we worked towards empowering citizens and building stronger, more responsive communities. CRC Design Thinking Workshop Towards the end of the month, we held a CRC Design Thinking Workshop on May 29th, 2024. This session was a fantastic opportunity to brainstorm innovative solutions for citizen reporting. Participants generated creative ideas and strategies for creating a user-friendly system that allows citizens to report local issues effectively. NFC Meetup at MAAUN On May 30th, 2024, the NFC Meetup took place at Maryam Abacha University Nigeria. This event provided a platform for networking and collaboration among community members, fostering connections and sharing ideas to drive forward our collective mission. May is surely a month to remember. Together, we are making a significant impact and driving positive change in our community.

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