Highland Park Drives Entrepreneurial Growth at Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp 2025

Highland Park, the globally recognised Single Malt Scotch whisky brand, strengthened its commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria by partnering with Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp for its 2025 edition, held at the Solution Arena, Lagos, on Saturday, November 8.

The event convened a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and industry experts for an intensive programme designed to equip SMEs with practical tools, strategic insights, and mentorship to accelerate business growth. Highland Park’s partnership underscores its focus on fostering mastery and long-term vision, not only in whisky but also in the Nigerian business ecosystem.

The bootcamp featured three engaging plenary sessions tailored to the needs of SME owners. The first session, “Laying the Foundation for Business Success: Finance, Tax & Legal Essentials,” guided participants on managing finances, navigating tax laws, selecting appropriate legal structures, and protecting their businesses against risks, including the importance of intellectual property for long-term sustainability.

The second session, “Business Growth Conversations: Brand Communication, Networking & Selling,” explored strategies for building strong brands, expanding networks, and driving sales growth. The final session, “Executive Dialogue: Driving Sustainable Vision, Evolving Business Models & Leading in Uncertain Times,” offered insights on leadership, distribution, people management, and cost optimization in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Industry leaders and founders, including Razaq Ahmed (Co-Founder & CEO, CowryWise), Ashley Immanuel (Co-Founder & COO, Semicolon), Godwin Tom (MD, Sony Music Publishing Nigeria), John Oamen (Co-Founder & CEO, Cutstruct), Mobolaji Ajayi (Founder/Group CEO, Purelife Health), Todimu Ige (Managing Partner, Oluwatodimu IGE LP), Isah Yusuf Aruwa (Technical Lead, Dangote Industries), Foza Fawehinmi (Lead Legal Consultant, Zaeda Oracle), Suraj Oyewale (Founder & CEO, Jarus Homes), Adebayo Adegun (Lead Partner & CEO, Crosstie Solutions), and Edward Israel Ayide (Founder & CEO, Carpe Diem Solution), shared their experience and actionable insights, enriching the discussions with practical perspectives on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth.

Highland Park’s involvement provided entrepreneurs with a platform to gain mentorship, refine business strategies, and engage with industry thought leaders. The initiative highlights the brand’s broader mission to nurture growth, innovation, and sustainable business practices among SMEs in Nigeria, aligning with its philosophy of mastery, dedication, and long-term excellence.

The 2025 edition of Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp demonstrated how strategic partnerships between brands and entrepreneurial initiatives can foster a thriving business ecosystem, supporting the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs as they build and scale impactful ventures.