CHALLENGES OF A YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR IN NIGERIA

However, the jobs available in comparison to theshe deems fit. Nobody questions them and the
number of graduates fighting for them areregulatory authorities are not even bothered
certainly on a parallel level. An alternative measureabout it. Office spaces, shops are paid at
"entrepreneurship" is gradually filling in the joblessexorbitant prices, and some landlords only resort
spot. Graduates are being encouraged even byto the law courts when they seek to evict a
the government to become economicallyde-faulting tenant who owes arrears of rent.
independent. Many have delved into the businessDue to financial constraint, entrepreneurs find it
terrain, ranging from owning hair dressing salonsdifficult to successfully market and expand their
barber shops, beauty/makeover/nails/dancebusiness. Adverts which are needed to create
studios to fashion outfits, events planning and aawareness of services/products, either rendered
host of others.sold are virtually impossible to resort to, as a
The bane of the problem an entrepreneur has isresult of  the high cost of publicity pegged down
‘access to funds' which is a critical factor inby the media (electronic, print) which happens to
the birth and growth of the business. A lot ofbe the most effective way of publicising one's
youths have great ideas to set up wonderfulbusiness within our shores. However, with the
businesses but lack the financial power to executeinternet and use of business/social networking
such. Contributions from colleagues, relatives,sites, that might just help with the publicity angle.
family, friends is really hard these days to get.Young entrepreneurs have to compete with the
Banks are very un-cooperative, demanding foralready established companies (Blue chip and
collaterals, when majority don't have such!. Theotherwise) who are already well known and have
story is not really quite different from thefunds to woo the public to buy their products.
microfinance banks, even though theirs have lessThe power of "brand name" certainly comes into
stringent conditions imposed on borrowers.play. These companies have carved niches for
Although the government prides itself in a fewthemselves which indirectly tilts the buyers choice
youth empowerment projects it has executed inin their favour above others even though yours
other to create jobs for the unemployed, a lot stillmight end up being better.
has to be done to help young entrepreneurs whoSome young entrepreneurs to cushion the
might out of frustration, join the "brain draineconomic effect have gone into partnership deals
move" to seek greener pastures.with more experienced business minded men
Erratic power supply from PHCN (formerly NEPA)women. Those who want to watch their business
has affected young entrepreneurs who have togrow have attended various business seminars,
keep the business running with fuel on a dailyworkshops, leadership courses,  luncheons, joined
basis. This unprecedented lapse now adds to thesocial clubs and on line  business/social networking
expenses incurred which could have beensites. I believe that great things start from small
averted, had the government put the properbeginnings, so start now and don't give up on
machinery in place. Solar power is graduallyyour dreams. Outstanding blue-chip companies all
becoming another alternative to getting poweronce started with an idea and overcame
supply. "High cost of Rent" has become anotherchallenges within the business terrain. Don't give
major set back for young entrepreneurs whoup! who knows whether your services/products
battle to pay it as charged by greedy landlords. might just be what millions of people have been
The landlords arbitrarily increase rent at will as hewaiting to solve their problems. Who knows?