The Lagos State Government under the Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment has announced the commencement of digital training for over 10,000 Micro, Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owners in the state.

This was conveyed in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investment, Mrs. Solape Hammond.

The training which is being carried out by BeyondPerception.io, a digital company with global partners such as Alibaba Foundation, SME 100 Africa, Susan Croft and PATRICIA, among others will engage business owners in the state in areas of Branding, Content Marketing, Storytelling, Brand Sustainability and Continuity, as well as Marketing in the ever dynamic digital world.

According to Hammond, the training is designed to revitalise MSMEs operations in the state hence improving sustainability, value creation of brands as well as equipping them to compete with international businesses.

“At a time where a pandemic has created several limitations, digital mediums provide several opportunities to businesses. Leveraging on these channels from a knowledgeable standpoint would help businesses achieve their desired targets.

“With its wealth of data and insight into consumer behaviour as a 360 digital agency, Beyondperception.io will provide MSMEs with proven strategies that will help meet their business targets in spite of the effect of the pandemic,” she said.

Hammond while urging participants to avail themselves to the training, she reiterated that it is government’s desire to expose young entrepreneurs to modern business ideas and create a friendly business ecosystem which will aid growth and sustainability for their businesses.

SMEs growth according to the Chief Executive Officer of BeyondPerception.io, Mr. Charles Edosomwan, which is critical to the development of the nation’s economy contributes 48 percent of the national Gross Domestic Production (GDP) which is much higher than the contribution of oil revenue which stands at 11 percent.

“SMEs also account for 96 percent of businesses and 84 percent of employment in Nigeria. With adequate support, these businesses could drive the nation into a more secure economic position”, Edosomwan stated.

He hinted that the training will give 1000 businesses access to free digital assets such as, Web Design, Mobile App Development, Consulting and Marketing support, adding that interested business owners can still register for the training on http://lagos-sdg.beyondperception.io.