Founder of an entrepreneurship Platform – Ekiti Online Market, Adeyemo Jane,also known as Isabella, in this interview reveals the secret and benefit of the initiative to economic progression in the Country.
Excerpt:
What’s the idea behind Ekiti Online Market?
As a resident of Ekiti State, I have always been passionate about seeing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in my community grow and thrive. However, one of the biggest challenges that many SMEs face is the high cost of renting a physical shop to sell their products. This often limits their ability to reach a wider customer base and grow their businesses.
In 2019, I decided to do something about this problem by launching Ekiti Online Market, a platform that allows SMEs to sell their products online using their smartphones. The goal was to provide a cost-effective way for entrepreneurs who can’t afford a shop rent to reach more customers and grow their businesses.
What started with just 2 members has now grown to over 75,000 members on both our Facebook group and WhatsApp groups. This growth led us to launch the Ekiti Online Market Ecommerce store, providing members with an additional platform to sell their products beyond Facebook and WhatsApp.
But our mission doesn’t stop there. We understand the importance of networking offline as well, which is why we organize the annual Ekiti Easter Tradefair in Ekiti State. This event brings together local businesses and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, and forge valuable connections that can help them expand their reach even further.
The impact of Ekiti Online Market and the Ekiti Easter Tradefair on the local economy has been significant. Not only have we helped SMEs grow and succeed, but we have also indirectly supported other businesses in the value chain, such as dispatch services, packaging companies, and even the increase in the registration of business names with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
By empowering SMEs and creating a thriving marketplace for local entrepreneurs, Ekiti Online Market is playing a crucial role in the economic transformation of Ekiti State. Our goal is to continue supporting and empowering small businesses, and to see even more growth and success in the years to come.
What inspired you to start Ekiti Online Market?
I was inspired to start Ekiti Online Market by the desire to see small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ekiti State thrive and succeed. I noticed that many entrepreneurs in my community were facing challenges in reaching a wider customer base due to high shop rents and limited resources. I wanted to create a platform that would empower these SMEs to sell their products online using their smartphones, allowing them to reach a larger audience and grow their businesses without the financial burden of renting a physical shop.
Additionally, I saw the potential for technology to revolutionize the way business is done in Ekiti State. By leveraging the power of social media and e-commerce platforms, I believed that we could create a more efficient and accessible marketplace for local entrepreneurs. This vision of using technology to empower SMEs and drive economic growth in our community motivated me to start Ekiti Online Market.
Seeing the positive impact that Ekiti Online Market has had on the local economy and the success stories of businesses that have grown through our platform only reinforces my commitment to supporting and empowering SMEs in Ekiti State.
What challenges did you face when starting Ekiti Online Market?
When starting Ekiti Online Market, I faced several challenges that tested my determination and perseverance. Some of the key challenges I encountered include:
1. Limited resources: As a startup, resources such as funding, manpower, and technical expertise were limited. I had to rely on my own skills and network to build the platform and grow the community.
2. Building trust and credibility: Establishing credibility and trust with both sellers and buyers was a major challenge. It took time to build a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy online marketplace in a competitive environment.
3. Technical challenges: Developing and maintaining the online platform required a good understanding of technology and e-commerce. Overcoming technical issues and ensuring a smooth user experience was a constant challenge.
4. Marketing and promotion: Getting the word out about Ekiti Online Market and attracting users to join the platform was a significant challenge. I had to be creative in my marketing strategies to reach a wider audience and attract more members.
5. Competition: The e-commerce space is highly competitive, with many online marketplaces already established. Standing out among the competition and offering unique value propositions to both sellers and buyers was a challenge.
Despite these challenges, I remain focused on my vision of empowering SMEs in Ekiti State and driving economic growth through Ekiti Online Market. By persevering through the obstacles and continuously adapting to meet the needs of our members, we were able to overcome these challenges and build a thriving online marketplace for local businesses.
What is the future for Ekiti online market?
The future for Ekiti Online Market is bright and full of exciting possibilities. As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we have several plans and initiatives in place to further empower SMEs in Ekiti State and contribute to the economic development of the region:
1. Expansion of services: We plan to expand our services and offerings to provide more opportunities for SMEs to sell their products and reach a larger customer base. This could include launching new features on our platform, partnering with other businesses or organizations, and exploring new markets.
2. Enhanced user experience: We are committed to improving the user experience for both sellers and buyers on our platform. This may involve upgrading our website and mobile app, streamlining the purchasing process, and implementing measures to ensure a safe and secure online shopping experience.
3. Community building: We will continue to focus on building a strong and vibrant community of entrepreneurs and customers on Ekiti Online Market. This includes organizing more events, workshops, and networking opportunities to facilitate connections and collaboration among members.
4. Support for offline activities: In addition to our online platform, we will continue to support offline activities such as the Ekiti Easter Tradefair, where local businesses can showcase their products and services. These events will help SMEs network, learn from each other, and grow their businesses beyond the digital space.
5. Collaborations and partnerships: We plan to explore collaborations and partnerships with other organizations, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to further support and promote SMEs in Ekiti State. By working together, we can create more opportunities for growth and success for the local business community.
Overall, the future for Ekiti Online Market is one of growth, innovation, and impact. We are committed to empowering SMEs, driving economic transformation, and creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and business development in Ekiti State. With the support of our community and stakeholders, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Ekiti Online Market.