On Friday, February 21, 2025, Stanford Seed West Africa hosted a special dinner to connect the Seed Coaches for West Africa, Paul Minton, and Francois Le, with members of the Stanford Seed Transformation Network (SSTN) Nigeria Chapter. This event marked the culmination of a two-day cultural immersion program aimed at introducing the coaches to Nigeria's vibrant culture and business landscape as they begin their one-year journey of supporting businesses across West Africa.

A Day of Cultural Orientation  

The cultural immersion program began on Thursday, February 20, with an orientation session organized by Nireti Adebayo, CEO of WhyteCleon and a member of the SSTN Nigeria Chapter. This session provided the coaches with valuable insights into Nigeria’s traditions, values, and business environment.

As part of the orientation, the coaches visited the Nike Art Gallery, where they explored Nigeria’s creative artistry and gained further appreciation for its rich cultural heritage. They also embraced Nigerian culture by wearing traditional attire and choosing Nigerian names, Ifeanyichukwu and Maduka, demonstrating their genuine enthusiasm for connecting with the region.

An Evening of Connection and Collaboration  

To conclude their visit, Stanford Seed West Africa organized an informal dinner on Friday evening. The dinner brought together the Seed Coaches, members of the SSTN Nigeria Chapter Executive team, Trustees, and some businesses currently being coached.

The evening was a celebration of collaboration and community. It provided an opportunity for meaningful conversations about business growth, challenges, and opportunities in the region. The relaxed setting fostered camaraderie among attendees while strengthening ties within the network.

Empowering Members Through Seed Resources  

Seed Coaches are highly experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who bring decades of expertise to help businesses grow sustainably. For SSTN members, these coaching services are available at subsidized rates, making them accessible to businesses seeking transformative support.

In addition to coaching, members can also access:

• Consultants: Professionals who review businesses and provide tailored recommendations to address challenges.

• Interns: Talented Stanford Graduate School of Business students eager to gain hands-on experience working with African businesses.

To benefit from these incredible resources, members of the Nigeria Chapter must complete the annual survey, which is available every September, and ensure that all relevant network dues are paid.

These resources are designed to empower members with tools, knowledge, and connections that drive sustainable growth. More information about accessing these opportunities will be shared when new slots open up.

Looking Ahead  

The visit by Paul Minton and Francois Le was a testament to Stanford Seed’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections between global experts and local entrepreneurs. As they begin their one-year journey working with companies across West Africa, we look forward to seeing how their expertise will inspire growth and innovation within our network.

For SSTN members, this is your reminder that you too can benefit from these incredible resources! Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming opportunities to engage with Seed Coaches, consultants, or interns—and don’t miss your chance to leverage these transformative programs for your business!