Entrepreneurship is a delightful endeavor despite the challenges that come with it. It offers the opportunity to monetize one’s passion, proficiency, personal experience, potential, and partnerships through strategic leverage. While the journey of entrepreneurship can be rewarding, its success often hinges on the environment in which it is pursued. In many developing countries, entrepreneurship is fraught with difficulties, primarily due to the lack of governmental support.

The Importance of Support and Leverage

Photo Courtesy: Sola Adesakin

Entrepreneurship thrives on support and leverage from various sources, including community, inner circles, counties, countries, and more. Capital or funding is a critical component of entrepreneurial success, enabling economies of scale, efficient management of resources, and the elimination of wastage. Support systems and networks play a crucial role in providing entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance they need to navigate their ventures successfully.

Leveraging Support Systems

To thrive as an entrepreneur, it is essential to:

• Leverage Community and Inner Circles: Building a robust support network within your community and inner circles can provide invaluable resources, advice, and encouragement.
• Engage with Local and State Chambers of Commerce: Membership in these organizations can offer access to funding opportunities, business resources, and networking events.
• Utilize Technology: Embracing technology can streamline operations, expand market reach, and increase efficiency.
• Adopt a Global Perspective: Thinking globally and seeking international collaborations can open new markets and opportunities for growth.

Through Smart Stewards Advisory LLC in the United States and Smart Stewards Advisory Limited in Nigeria, Sola has revolutionized the world of personal finance and wealth creation for Africans at home and in the diaspora through courses, communities, conferences, challenges, and collaborative efforts.

Her initiatives include providing resources through the Smart Stewards Academy, a digital literacy platform that has seen over 8,000 signups since inception on various financial literacy materials; economic empowerment for underprivileged women, especially widows, through the FRUIT FOUNDATION; and the upcoming launch of a mobile app, WealthSync, aimed at further democratizing financial education and wealth management.

Sola Adesakin’s Journey in the IVLP Program

Photo Courtesy: Sola Adesakin

Sola Adesakin’s participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) highlights the importance of leveraging support and networks in entrepreneurship. Her vision of helping people navigate their path to financial independence is evident in her efforts to create a digital platform that educates people on how to make, manage, and multiply money. Her commitment to this vision has earned her recognition and opportunities to expand her influence.

The IVLP Experience

Sola was recently nominated and selected for the IVLP, a prestigious exchange program sponsored by the US government. This program, which took her to Washington DC and four other states, including Reno, Nevada, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Atlanta, Georgia, has a legacy of fostering global leadership for 84 years and boasts over 500 past and present heads of state among its alumni.

Sola joined the IVLP under the theme “Women and Entrepreneurship” alongside women from about 15 countries.

Photo Courtesy: Sola Adesakin

Over three weeks, they visited five US states, exploring and learning from local women-owned businesses. This journey allowed them to discover how these businesses have built profitable ventures and to explore opportunities for collaboration. Sola attended over 25 meetings and interfaced with about 10-15 business owners, including women-owned, black women-owned, and family businesses.

Key Takeaways from the IVLP Program

Sola’s participation in the IVLP provided her with several key insights:

• Leverage Support: The importance of support systems and networks in entrepreneurship cannot be overstated.
• Community and Circles: Belonging to communities and circles that provide necessary resources is crucial for success.
• Chambers of Commerce: Membership in local and state chambers of commerce can offer significant advantages.
• Technology: Leveraging technology can enhance business operations and market reach.
• Global Perspective: Thinking globally and seeking international collaborations can drive growth and innovation.

Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for personal and economic growth. However, its success is often dependent on the support and resources available to entrepreneurs. By leveraging community support, engaging with chambers of commerce, utilizing technology, and adopting a global perspective, entrepreneurs can overcome challenges and achieve success.

Sola Adesakin’s journey in the IVLP program underscores the importance of these principles. Her dedication to financial education and empowerment, coupled with the insights gained from her international experiences, exemplifies the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Through her work, Sola continues to inspire and empower others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and achieve financial independence.

Published by: Holy Minoza