The ‘Soft Life’ Scam

Why You’re Not There Yet

Dear entrepreneurs,

I totally get it - life is hard, the pressure is real, and that luxury vacation in the Maldives is calling your name. But before you empty your bank accounts for “soft life,” let’s talk about something your future self will either love you for… or drag you on Twitter in 10 years: delayed gratification. Yes, that thing that sounds like suffering but is actually the secret ingredient in the billionaire recipe.

I am not about to play the spoiler and before you start to think that I am the weapon fashioned against your enjoyment, look at it this way: Jeff Bezos didn’t build Amazon by buying designer sneakers every week, and Dangote didn’t become Africa’s richest man by popping champagne at every weekend groove. The problem isn’t wanting nice things, it’s wanting them now, even when your bank account is crying for help. The trick is mastering the “not yet” game. Invest in your business, reinvest in yourself, and let your money do push-ups before you start spending like a boss.

Think of it like planting a mango tree. If you water it, nurture it, and resist the urge to uproot it for quick gains, it will reward you with juicy fruits for years. But if you keep digging it up to “enjoy small,” you’ll end up with nothing but regret and empty pockets. The wealthy don’t just earn, they let their money compound while they sip tea and play chess with life.

So, before you hit ‘Add to Cart’ on that unnecessary splurge, ask yourself: Is this a seed or a weed? Because financial freedom is built on small, consistent sacrifices, not quick dopamine hits. The struggle is real, but so is the reward. Your future self is counting on you—don’t let them down!

Here’s what I have for you today:

• Trending Business News

• Opportunities Galore

• Fun Facts about Entrepreneurship

• Some Resources for you

Trending Business News

MSME Africa Launches Growth Factory Accelerator, Admits 300 Entrepreneurs into Inaugural Cohort

MSME Africa is excited to announce the official launch of its Growth Factory Accelerator Program with the admission of 300 entrepreneurs into its inaugural cohort. This transformative program is designed to help early to mid-stage entrepreneurs develop the critical skills, knowledge, and network needed to scale their businesses. Read more

BOI Launches N10 Billion Fund to Support Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has introduced a N10 billion special intervention programme, Project Guaranteed Loans for Women (GLOW), aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs across Nigeria. The GLOW Fund will provide low-interest loans, capacity-building programmes, and mentorship opportunities for women-led businesses Get more details HERE

Meta Introduces Llama Impact Grant to Support Startups in Africa

Meta, in collaboration with Data Science Africa, has launched the Llama Impact Grant, a new initiative aimed at supporting startups and researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The grant, part of Meta’s global Llama Impact Grants program, will provide $20,000 in funding to innovative projects. More details Here

Swedfund Commits €15 Million to AfricInvest Fund to Boost African SMEs

Swedfund has invested €15 million in the AfricInvest Small Cap Fund, a private equity initiative aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. The investment seeks to address the persistent challenge of capital access for SMEs. Read more

AfDB Unveils $500 Million Facility to Boost Smallholder Farming in Africa

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced plans for a $500 million facility aimed at unlocking $10 billion in financing for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses across Africa. AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina revealed the initiative at the High-Level Conference on Scaling Finance for Smallholder Farmers in Nairobi. Get more details HERE

Opportunity Galore

Call For Applications: SMEDAN GROWHer Accelerator Program For Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

SMEDAN presents the GROWHer Accelerator Program, a transformative initiative for bold, ambitious women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Designed to help women-led businesses scale, access new markets, and secure funding. Get more details and Apply today

Call For Applications: Lagos Students Entrepreneurship Certificate Program

The U.S. Consulate Lagos, in partnership with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Alumnae Association, presents the Lagos Students Entrepreneurship Certificate Program!. Get more details here.

Call For Applications: Female Founders & Funders Program (Up to N1 MILLION Grant)

Do you have a groundbreaking idea that can shake up the tech world or you need the right investors and mentors to turn it into reality? Apply for the Female Founders & Funders Program! Get more details HERE

Call For Applications: Digital Energy Challenge 2025 for Startups in Africa (Up to €150,000 Grant funding)

The 2025 Digital Energy Challenge for Start-ups will reward 3 to 4 Start-ups that are developing digital innovative projects aimed at accelerating access to energy, boosting the energy transition and improving the operational efficiency of players in the energy access and grid services in Africa. Get more details here.

Call For Applications: AfCFTA National Youth Champions Fellowship 2025

The AfCFTA National Youth Champions Fellowship is a flagship Pan-African initiative by the African Center for Youth Development, Education and Advocacy Initiative designed to empower young leaders, entrepreneurs, and trade advocates with the knowledge, skills, and network needed to actively participate in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Get more details and apply HERE

You can access many more opportunities HERE

Fun Facts about Entrepreneurship

Did you know that the concept of founding restaurant outlets originated in Ancient Rome. Thermopolis, which translates to "hot drink shops," were essentially food courts or restaurants where people could grab a quick bite or drink. These thermopolis were often located near public gathering places, such as markets, theaters, and public baths.

Back then, most commoners didn’t have kitchens in their homes, so they relied on thermopolis for hot food and drinks. These spots were basically the fast-food joints of their time, complete with counters, built-in pots, and a menu that included bread, cheese, and stews.

Some Resources For You

Dangers Of Cutting Corners in Agricultural Production

How to Sell Your Solution: Nuggets for Always Making Sales

Starting an Impact Business: How Entrepreneurs Can Make Money and Change Lives

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Till next time

Olu, MSME Africa