(SATURDAY 25TH & SUNDAY 26TH MAY 2019).The May edition of the family business themed “Family Business Finance and Financing” was a very enlightening one which was held in two days covering the sub-topics on “Resolving Financial and Ownership Issues” and “Capital and Assets-Fostering”.The speakers were seasoned family business owners who have run their family businesses for years.Ike Onyechi – Founder of The Alpha Pharmacy and Stores Ltd. Alpha pharmacy is a niche
player in the nationwide distribution of rare ethical products, (Orphan and critical care products). Also playing actively in many specialized practices in Nigeria such as: Medical Assisted Reproduction, Oncology, Urology, Nephrology and most significantly in Anesthesia. He shared his story of how he started the Alpha Pharmacy and talked about expansion process and critical things to consider when expanding a business to new branches. He also talked about decision making and succession planning Alabede Shino – Business Analyst and Development Expert. Shina spoke on Start Up Financing where he shared his wealth of experience as a Management Service and Business Development Consultant with over two decades in Commercial Banking & Finance, Management and Project Development. He expressly talked about different levels of financing in the life cycle of a business, how to source for funds and grants, and strategic means to maximize and effectively use funds.Capt. Romano Pisciotti – Industrial and Business Management Expert Capt. Romano spoke on “The Family Pride: Discovering the Italian Family Business Culture as a Sustainable Business Model”. He extensively broke down the nature of the Italian family business culture differentiating it with the Nigerian system and gave applicable means of adopting the Italian system into the Nigerian context and how that can boost the Nigerian family business model.Dr. Mrs. Veronica Osokoya – Director of Marketing, Federal Radio Corporation Nigerian and the Executive Director, Vechi Bread. Dr. Vera employed an empowerment perspective to addressing the topic as she used her story to motivate women to be able to use their talents and abilities to rise in their chosen fields. She established the Vechi company which is gradually growing into different sectors as she properly balances the management of the company and her role as the Marketing Director in one of Nigeria’s foremost radio cooperation.It was indeed a highly insightful edition with these well experienced individuals sharing their stories, challenges and ideas.