‘Nigerian start-ups need grants to scale through hurdles’

Elizabeth Anuoluwapo Dike is the executive director of Lizanu Indelible Needles, a firm that designs clothes for clients and helps them get the kind of designs they want. Elizabeth holds Bachelor of Science (Bsc) degree in Social Studies from Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun State, Nigeria. In this interview with BUNMI BAILEY, the young entrepreneur talks about her business, challenges and how government can help young entrepreneurs like herself.

Tell me about your business, when you started and your background

My name is Elizabeth Anuoluwapo Dike. I am a fashion entrepreneur and my business name is Lizanu Indelible Needles. What I do is to help clients bring their designs to reality. There are people who prefer to have their own designs instead of having something common. So, what I do is to help them have the kind of design they want for themselves. I also create designs for clients. I started this business properly in the 2016. I have actually been doing it for a while, but I got to understand the business side of it properly in the year 2016.

What inspired you to set up the business?

I learnt how to make clothes as a teenager. The experience was what inspired this business. I was also helped by my mum. Initially I thought it was all about making clothes, but then I started seeing that there was more to it than just making clothes. I decided to design since I could be creative, moderately.

What was your initial start-up capital?

I cannot give a specific amount because it was a gradual process for me. I got my tools and other things little by little. Like I mentioned earlier, patience was key.

How would you say your business has grown since starting?

I will say it is still growing. It has not grown to the kind of level I want, but there has been some improvement. So I will say that it is still growing because even growth does not just happen. It is a gradual process. I have a bigger picture of where I want my business to be and I hope to achieve that soon.

You have over a year experience in entrepreneurship. Why do you think most start-ups fail after five years of being birthed?

Most start-ups need some years to actually make headway or have a breakthrough in businesses. So, if in about five years the business is tired or the person in charge is not patient, determined, zealous or even strong enough to hold his/her ground, then the business would simply not fly. Lack of patience, determination, focus and strength could cause a five-year-old start-up to fail.

What are the challenges confronting your business?

One of the challenges facing my business is lack of funds. Another is time and distance. If I have a trainee and the person’s location is really far from mine, it slows business and training down.

How can these challenges be addressed?

The government can help by encouraging young entrepreneurs with grants. If I am able to get a grant, I could help others as I had always wanted to. But if I do not have enough resources to even teach people, those who want to learn most times do not even have enough to pay to learn. So, if I have resources and can teach for free, that will be a whole lot of help, not just for me but for the people I wish to help too.

What would you tell your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to keep going, do not stop moving; be creative; be energetic; be focused and always be ready. Opportunities will not wait for you to get ready. So always be ready.