With that desire we are excited to present to you The Assembly Innovation Hub’s Creative Class supported by The British Council Nigeria and Nesta.
The Creative Class is designed to accelerate entrepreneurs in the fashion and creative sector with the essential knowledge and tools they require to launch and grow a creative enterprise.
The program will run from 17th September to 6th October 2018 and will provide a platform for entrepreneurs and emerging talent to attend a curation of Masterclasses and Fireside chats, learn and connect with industry experts, network with their peers, get business advice and support to run a sustainable enterprise in Africa.
Our Class of facilitators and speakers are individuals with deep industry, business, investment or entrepreneurship experience. The Creative Class program will cover the following modules; Creative Enterprise Programme by Nesta | Design & Product Development | Marketing & PR | Digital Skills by Facebook | Finance & Accounting | Legal & IP | Funding Strategies | Investment Readiness.
The Creative Class has three pathways:
1.Creative Enterprise Programme (17th – 19th September 2018)
The Creative Enterprise Programme is a three-day practical workshop to help creative entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality. Over the three days you’ll learn the key aspects of setting up and running a creative business. The programme is specifically for the creative industries, such as advertising, architecture, arts & culture, craft, design, fashion, games, music, publishing, tech, TV and film.
The Creative Enterprise Programme has been developed by Nesta, the UK’s innovation foundation, and is delivered in partnership with the British Council. It brings Nesta’s Creative Enterprise Toolkit to life, and uses a mixture practical exercises and activities that have been designed specifically for a workshop environment. The content of the Creative Enterprise Programme is designed to support entrepreneurs who are already in the process of setting up their own creative enterprise or whose businesses are up-and-running and in the very early stages.
To enrol on the Creative Enterprise Programme complete the application form here;
2.FashionENTR_ ( 22nd -28th September 2018)
FashionENTR_ is a six-day market entry program with the aim to empower new market entry businesses with essential knowledge and tools to build and develop their business infrastructure, enabling them to support their creative abilities.
This pathway is specifically aimed at entry level fashion, jewellery accessory, FashTech Entrepreneurs. The FashionENTR_ program has been developed by The Assembly team and network of industry professionals and experts.
To enrol on the FashionENTR_ pathway complete the application form here;
3.FashionNXT_(29th September – 6th October 2018)
FashionNXT_ is a six-day program that aims to nurture Nigerian brands, identifying and providing solutions for some of the issues that may be stifling growth in the early-mid stages of running a fashion business.
This pathway is specifically aimed at early-mid stage fashion, jewellery accessory, FashTech, MSMEs, SMEs and Entrepreneurs who have run their business for more than 12 months. The FashionNXT_ program has been developed by The Assembly team and network of industry professionals and experts.
To enrol on the FashionNXT_ pathway complete the application form here;
We’ve also partnered with Facebook to run a two-day practical workshop developed by Facebook teaches the fundamentals of digital marketing for business growth. The goal is to help business owners better understand their brand, their audience, and how to best reach and service their customers online. Click here to enrol now {please note to enrol on the Facebook Digital Skills training you have to apply via the “FashionENTR_” or the “FashionNXT_” application form}
The Deadline to apply for The Creative Class program is the 3rd of September 2018.
Once you’ve been selected to enrol on The Creative Class you will be informed of which pathway (one or more) you have been selected to attend, i.e the Creative Enterprise Programme & FashionNXT_ pathways. You will also receive the full details of the programmes, training schedule and be required to pay a registration fee.
Deadline has been extended: Early Registration Fee before 10th Sep 2018 = N5,000 | Registration Fee after the 10th Sep 2018 = N10,000.
In the meantime, follow the #creativeclasspro on social media for all updates.
Meet The Creative Class Facilitators
Yoanna ‘pepper’ Chikezie, Consultant & Founder, The Assembly
Yoanna is a serial Entrepreneur and spearheaded the creation and development of Africa’s first fashion and lifestyle channel, SPICE TV. Pepper has worked in broadcasting, production, marketing and branding for over 10 years, Yoanna’s experience positions her as an expert when it comes to understanding the ecosystem of any fashion based enterprise.
Timilehin Tikolo, General Manager, TM Lewin
Timi has had roles cutting across the departments of wholesale, business development, hiring, merchandising , as well as growth and expansion for various international brands such as Michael Kors, Gucci, Tom Ford, Paul Smith and Tommy Hilfiger to name a few .
Banke Kuku, Creative Director, Banke Kuku Textiles
In 2011 Banke Kuku launched her eponymous Textiles’ brand, drawing inspiration from West-African and Western-eclectic inspirations to create intricate and unique designs resulting in collaborations with fashion houses like Duro Olowu and Jewel by Lisa, also having been worn by the likes of Michelle Obama and Lupita Nyongo to name a few.
Wale Ajiboye, Associate Director, Acumen, West Africa
Wale is the Associate Director, West Africa Fellows Program at Acumen, bringing along years of experience in social enterprise development, banking, public policy, as well as community and youth development. He’s worked as Project Manager of Business Leadership at LEAP Africa, Principal Manager of Abuja Enterprise Agency, Senior Banking Officer at GT Bank, and he holds a Masters of Business Administration from Hult Business School.
Crystal Chigbu, Founder & Executive Director, The Irede Foundation. Crystal Chigbu Is the founder and Executive director of The IREDE Foundation. A not for profit dedicated to advocacy for child amputees founded in 2012. Prior to founding Irede she held the position of the E-Commerce Account Manager at Procter and Gamble, Nigeria.Crystal is a serial entrepreneur driven by a strong desire to bring out the best in everyone she meets.
Yahaya Maikori, Entertainment Lawyer, Founder, Law Allianz
Yahaya is a founding partner of Law Allianz. He Chairs, the Entertainment, Media and Sports committee of the Nigeria Bar Association – Section on Business Law and sits on the Nigeria Copyrights Commission’s law Review committee. He was appointed by the Federal Government into Digiteam and recently selected as the Facilitator for National Assembly Business Round Table (NASSBER) “E-commerce and IP” working group
Bidemi Zakariyau, CEO, LSF PR
Bidemi is the Founder & CEO of LSF|PR, a full service public relations agency, currently representing global and clients including Philips, Baker Hughes, Reckitt-Benckiser, and Remy-Cointreau to name a few. In 2017, she launched an online magazine (www.theluxedigest.com) with the aim of playing a key role in altering the perception of Africa and fostering Pan-Africanism. She’s a member of The Nigerian Bar Association and The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. In 2016 she was appointed to the board of Réle.
Wonu Okoye, Fashion Business Coach, Big Start Up Co
Wonuola is a seasoned fashion retail startup and business coach. She also has experience crafting media strategy and is currently a Business director at Rosabel Limited. She co-founded fashion retail. In 2017, she launched Apaart Africa, a luxury exotic leather goods brand and has since sold over 500 bags and continues to be a market leader in the leather goods industry. Her experience has positioned her as the go to business coach for entrepreneurs looking to build lasting brands in the fashion industry.
Rukky Ladoja, Founder, Creative Director,GREY
A pioneer in the ready to wear industry in Nigeria and a recipient of the British Council and Lagos Fashion Week Award for “Young Creative Entrepreneur”, Rukky draws inspiration from traditional basket weaving techniques, local tattooing and west African royal accessories. Her priority is to organically explore ways to make fast fashion individual and high fashion approachable by designing long lasting style options for every woman looking to incorporate beautiful fragments of African society directly into their wardrobe.
Ifeanyi Enukorah, CEO, Speakwell Consulting
Ifeanyi is British Council Certified Master Trainer and has been presenting and facilitating customised interactive workshops since 2005 to audiences in around Africa and the UK. Over the last decade he has designed and facilitated programs for the British Council in Nigeria and other Creative Enterprises in the performing arts, fashion and branding helping them align their values, clarify goals, and identify obstacles.
Reni Somoye, PR Consultant, Co-Founder, Brand Camp
Reni has executed projects with brands such as Nike, EA Sports, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and McDonald’s. Locally, she’s worked on campaigns for the Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum, the Nigerian Centenary Pageant, Gidi Culture Festival and #DJObiWorldRecord. In 2016, she co-founded BrandCamp, to empower Nigerian business people to take control of their PR and social media. She recently joined Quadrant MSL, which was founded in 1999 as Nigeria’s first full-service public relations company.
Damilola Odufuwa, Social Producer, CNN Africa
Passionate about social media, pop culture and telling engaging African stories, as the Editor-In-Chief of both Zikoko and Konbini Nigeria, Damilola has been responsible for building influential and innovative digital media publications targeted at Nigerian millennials. Now she works at CNN Africa – running the social media division. In recognition of her work, she was listed as one of the ‘100 Most Inspiring Women In Nigeria in 2018’ by Leading Ladies Africa.
Claire Idera, Fashion Designer & Illustrator
Claire is a creative entrepreneur with a background in Architecture, Creative Practice and Fashion Design. She became the go to Illustrator in Nigeria which gained her a nomination in The Future Awards Africa 2016. She completed her Masters programme with a Menswear collection that was exhibited at the Design Museum London. She’s taught Fashion Design at Kingston University London, as well as Arts & Design Portfolio at Oxbridge College, while also freelancing for clients like Lisa Folawiyo.
Afriyie Donkor, Cosmetic Formulator / Business Consultant
Afriyie Donkor is a natural cosmetic formulator and consultant. She studied Aromatherapy and launched a global skincare business using organic and Fairtrade ingredients. Today, Afriyie runs a thriving business creating cosmetic courses and teaching entrepreneurs how to formulate professional skincare products that compete with leading brands.
Victoria Fabunmi, Investment Manager for Venture Capital Fund, Co-Creation Hub
Victoria is a Finance Professional with experience in buy and sell side advisory, fundraising, principal investments and private equity primarily in FMCG,Finance, Agriculture and Technology. She is currently the investment manager at Growth Capital Fund by CcHUB where she’s responsible for deal origination, execution and portfolio management.
Chioma Nwakwesi, General Manager Strategy & Performance, Zaron Cosmetics
Chioma Nwakwesi is the GM, Strategy & Performance at Zaron Cosmetics. Her role comprises, primarily overseeing the global Marketing & Sales, Finance and HR functions. Chioma is not only passionate about adding value and contributing to her organization’s long-term growth and development but she’s also interested in mentoring young women in the work place.
Funmi St. Matthew Daniel, Strategic & Creative Consultant
Funmi St Matthew Daniel is a seasoned fashion retail professional who’s worked with giants like the Arcadia Group and Tesco Clothing UK before relocating to Nigeria where she’s worked with Mango, Tiffany Amber, Exquisite Magazine and Jumia. Funmi founded FunmiDaniel.com where she works as a Strategic & Creative Consultant for brands in the Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle space including Grey Velvet, Abaya Lagos & Raya to name a few.
Elvina Quaison, AFFORD Business Club Manager, AFFORD UK. Elvina Quaison is the AFFORD Business Club (ABC) manager at AFFORD, the ABC is a unique diaspora entrepreneur focused space to assist and enhance our members businesses. Elvina has worked with Diaspora organisations for over 15 years. In 2011 she managed projects in AFFORD assisting Diaspora contribute their skills and knowledge by volunteering in Ghana. She also managed a project facilitating Diaspora entrepreneurs’ goals of setting up a business in Africa, specifically Ghana. Following this work she followed suit and lived in Ghana for over three years. Elvina brings her knowledge and deep interest in the UK African Diaspora to her work with AFFORD.
Jacqueline Brown, AFFORD Business Club Manager, AFFORD UK. Jacqueline is Diaspora Experience Manager at AFFORD and has been working with African businesses for the past 7 years in the creative sector. With a background in the creative sector working with the international fashion industry for nearly 20 years, Jacqueline has not only developed her network in the ethical and sustainable fashion community but has also built her own creative enterprise since 2011 and grown a flourishing network in the African fashion community where she facilitates business trade opportunities for those in the diaspora community and friends of Africa.
Odunoluwa Longe, Co-Founder/ Lead Counsel, The Longe Practice & DIY Law Co-founder and CEO at DIYlaw, Nigeria’s foremost and award-winning legal technology startup, Odun is also Co-founder and Lead Counsel of The Longe Practice LP, (TLP), a law practice focused on proving legal solutions for entrepreneurship in Africa. She likes to refer herself as a LawyerTM of entrepreneurs where LawverTM = Lawyer + Lover.
Isioma Onochie Aihie, CEO Grey Velvet Stores
Isioma Onochie Aihie, a serial entrepreneur started her career as a Systems Analyst at Fortune 50 company’s, Merck and Co and Microsoft in America and ended it as Head of IT at premier downstream oil company, OANDO. Through the launch of Grey Velvet, she realised a long term desire to promote Nigerian fashion. Today it is the first and only concept store to solely stock brands that are 100% Nigerian /African, at the time. Almost 4 years later, she has opened 4 other stores as well as a garment manufacturing company and is looking to open more stores across the continent and internationally as well as continuing to push African fashion though the promotion of upcoming designers and sales of their pieces.
Nneka Eze, Partner, Dalberg Advisors. Nneka is a Partner at Dalberg, a group of impact-driven companies that focus on applying private sector approaches to unlocking people’s full potential, everywhere. She leads Dalberg’s work in Nigeria as the Lagos Office Director. She has worked with private corporations, state governments, and foundations on strategic planning, market analysis, investment planning, and performance transformation. Nneka’s work has focused on a range of sectors including agriculture, education and youth employment, financial services, and inclusive growth, and she leads Dalberg’s work in the creative industries.
Dr Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, Group Chief, Sustainability & Governance Officer, Dangote Industries Limited
Dr Nnoli-Ezien is the current Group Chief, Sustainability and Governance Officer at Dangote Industries Limited. Under her leadership, Dangote Cement published its first globally-benchmarked Sustainability Report in 2017. Her mandate is to lead the effort of integrating Sustainability Thinking and Reporting across all Dangote Businesses in Africa.
Munachi Alfa, Principal Consultant, Masal Financial Consultants. Munachi Alfa is a Finance Consultant and the Principal Consultant at MASAL
Consultants Ltd, a financial management firm that provides public accounting,
bookkeeping, financial planning and advisory services to SMEs, entrepreneurs
and private individuals. Munachi holds a Master’s from The European Business School, UK in GlobalBanking and Finance and a BSc in Economics from the University of Surrey,UK.
She also has other professional qualifications in Corporate Finance, Accounting
and SME Finance.
Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder & CRO , Ruff ‘n’ Tumble. Adenike Ogunlesi is the Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble. Driven by a passion to prove that Nigeria is able to produce good quality she’s built a brand with over 15 retail outlets across Nigeria and an E-commerce platform; making Ruff N Tumble one of the most recognizable brands in the Nigerian market.
The program will provide a platform for entrepreneurs and emerging talent to attend a back to back curation of Masterclasses and Fireside chats, learn and connect with industry experts, network with their peers, get business advice and support to run a sustainable fashion brand or creative enterprise in Nigeria.
FAQs
How much does it cost to register?
Deadline has been extended:
Early Registration Fee before 10th Sep 2018 = N5,000 | Registration Fee after the 10th Sep 2018 = N10,000.
Can I pay at the venue?
No, if you’re application is successful, you will receive all the payment detail to make before the program starts.
Will there be refreshments?
Yes, your fee covers the cost of refreshments.
Can I stream the class ?
No, you will have to be physically present to take part in the program, but we will be sharing highlights from the class online.
What if I pay and miss the first day, will my spot be given away?
No, but 100% attendance is required to receive the programme certification. We encourage you to take part in every aspect of your selected program, you don’t want to miss out on this game changing opportunity.
If you have any questions or further enquiries please email tolu@theassemblyhub.com
