1. How will SBN’s new website and Community of Practice help nutrition-focused entrepreneurs learn from one another and strengthen Nigeria’s food system?  
   
   The SBN Community was developed to give an identity to the private sector actors as well as the enablers- Government, Groups and Associations in the food system. The past 10years of SBN’s implementation in Nigeria has focused primarily on building a network of nutrition focused private sector actors namely, Micro, Small and Medium Agri-businesses and strengthening the coordination of the processes that will eventually create an enabling environment for them to scale the production of safe and healthier foods. The enabling environment creation process however involves a long list of stakeholders from government, civil society groups and association etc. Engaging with these actors across the nation is expensive and demands resources that is very scarce.  The SBN website has now created a digital community where that cross sectorial engagement can now happen seamlessly and more effectively.  
   
    

2. “Together We Build” highlights the power of collaboration. How does this Community of Practice bring that to life for Nigerian entrepreneurs?  

   
   This Community of Practice is a clear deviation from any other kind of learning platform SBN has delivered in the past. We are leveraging the power of peer learning to foster genuine collaboration and partnerships among MSMEs who, in other contexts, might see themselves as competitors or rivals. The platform is intentionally designed to accommodate diversity, across gender, age, business size, years of operation, value chains, and geographic locations, creating a shared space where everyone can contribute and learn. Through interactive discussions, business showcases, shared challenges, and solution-driven exchanges, members are encouraged to co-create ideas, identify partnership opportunities, and access mentorship from both peers and industry leaders. Ultimately, the Community of Practice embodies the “Together We Build” spirit by transforming competition into collaboration and individual efforts into collective impact for a stronger, more inclusive food system

3. What lasting impact do you envision for small, women- and youth-led businesses through this platform? 

   The long-term vision is to see small, women-, and youth-led businesses evolve from being isolated players in the food system to becoming visible, connected, and empowered contributors to Nigeria’s nutrition agenda. This platform provides the visibility, connections, and access that many of these businesses have long been denied. 
   
   By engaging in the Community of Practice, they gain knowledge and confidence, learning from peers, sharing their own experiences, and discovering how collaboration can amplify their voice and impact. Over time, we expect to see stronger business linkages, improved access to markets and finance, and an increased ability to integrate nutrition into business operations. 
   
   Most importantly, the platform will help build a generation of inclusive entrepreneurs particularly women and young people who are equipped with the tools, partnerships, and mindset needed to drive sustainable change within the food system.  

4. Entrepreneurs often face similar barriers, from finance to market access. How will this community turn shared challenges into shared solutions? 
   
   The Community of Practice creates a space where entrepreneurs no longer face challenges in isolation but can learn from others who have walked the same path. Through open discussions, shared resources, and peer learning sessions, members can exchange practical ideas on accessing finance, sourcing inputs, improving product quality, and meeting market standards. It also connects them to potential partners, mentors, and support organizations that can help address gaps collectively. Over time, these shared experiences will turn common challenges into opportunities for collaboration, cost-sharing, and innovation within the network. 
   
   Looking ahead, how will the SBN website and Community of Practice shape the future of collaboration and innovation in Nigeria’s nutrition sector? 
   The platform is designed to make collaboration easier and more purposeful by connecting people, ideas, and opportunities across the food system. It will serve as a space where entrepreneurs, development partners, and policymakers can interact, share insights, and test new approaches that improve access to safe and nutritious food. By promoting continuous learning, data sharing, and partnerships, the website and Community of Practice will gradually strengthen coordination across the sector and encourage practical innovations that drive inclusion and better nutrition outcomes for Nigerians.

As SBN Nigeria continues to foster connection and collaboration among entrepreneurs, the message of this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week rings true, together, we build stronger businesses, healthier communities, and a more nutritious future for all.