Connect young innovators with business in need!

Over the past several months, we have seen meaningful progress across our programs in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Thanks to the support of donors and the dedication of students, local leaders, and community members, several important initiatives in business development, public health, and community advocacy have moved forward in ways that are already improving daily life for many families.

One of the most exciting developments has been the continued growth of small businesses across the communities where we work. This year, 65 local businesses have now been formally registered and recognized in Bauchi State. For many of these entrepreneurs, this represents the first time their business has been officially documented and recognized by the state. Registration gives business owners the opportunity to grow more confidently, access resources, and build trust with customers. Many of these businesses are small family operations that provide essential goods and services within their communities. Formal registration helps them move from informal survival businesses toward more stable and sustainable enterprises.

Access to clean water has also been a major focus of our recent work. Three new solar-powered borehole systems have been completed in communities that previously struggled to access water during the dry season. In many villages, families were forced to walk long distances each day to collect water, and during the driest months, some water sources would disappear entirely. These new boreholes now provide a reliable, solar-powered source of clean water, allowing community members to collect water safely and consistently throughout the year. The systems eliminate the need for costly fuel or electricity and ensure that families have dependable access to water for drinking, cooking, and daily life.

Education infrastructure has also seen significant improvements. The Sabon Layi School Project has now been completed, bringing safe and functional classrooms to a community that previously lacked proper educational facilities. Before this project, many students were learning in temporary or overcrowded conditions that made it difficult for teachers to deliver lessons effectively. The new classrooms provide a safe and structured environment where students can focus on learning and teachers can support them more effectively. For families in the area, this project represents a long-term investment in their children's future.

Healthcare access has also expanded through the completion of two new community health clinics in Doka and Birshi Gandu. In the past, many families in these areas were forced to travel long distances when someone became sick, often delaying treatment or making it difficult for pregnant women, children, and elderly community members to receive timely care. With these clinics now operating locally, families can access medical services much closer to home. These facilities are already helping reduce travel burdens and allowing healthcare workers to respond more quickly to community health needs.

While each of these projects addresses a different challenge, they share a common goal. Whether through strengthening small businesses, improving access to clean water, expanding education, or increasing healthcare access, these initiatives are helping communities build stronger foundations for the future.

None of this progress would be possible without the continued support of donors who believe in community-led development and the power of local leadership. Your support helps turn ideas into real projects that communities can rely on every day.

We are deeply grateful for your partnership and look forward to sharing more updates as these initiatives continue to grow and make a lasting impact.

Dear Leadership Initiatives Donor,

We are excited to share that this training cycle, 45 new entrepreneurs in Bauchi, Nigeria, completed an intensive Business Training Program through Leadership Initiatives. Over the past months, each business owner met regularly with their Project Coordinator and a team of U.S. high school interns to build a real partnership, learn the nuances of doing business in Bauchi, and turn ideas into workable plans. Together they explored practical topics like pricing, cash flow, supplier relationships, seasonal demand, trust-based sales, and the psychology of effective branding. With guidance from their interns, many owners created a basic branding kit, drafted simple logos and price boards, set weekly sales targets, and launched WhatsApp catalogs and neighborhood outreach that meet customers where they are.

Your support also provided a critical startup package so each entrepreneur could open with confidence. All 45 received seed funding for initial inventory or tools, a shop location in an accessible area, and rent support for the first two years. Every owner signed a five-year commitment to continue working with Leadership Initiatives, which means ongoing mentorship, monthly monitoring, and timely problem-solving as they grow. We will track sales, savings, inventory turnover, customer growth, apprenticeships, and jobs created so that support remains targeted and effective.

We have already seen the ripple effect begin. New shops keep money circulating locally, reduce travel for daily essentials, and inspire neighbors to take smart risks. One example is Jabir, a tailor who once worked from home fixing hems for friends. Through training, he mapped his costs, set a clear price list, and adopted a simple service rhythm so customers know when to get measurements and when to pick up. With seed capital, he purchased a reliable machine and core supplies, and with the first two years of rent support, he can reinvest early earnings instead of worrying about overhead. He launched a WhatsApp catalog with before-and-after photos and referral messages for nearby women’s groups, and he is preparing to welcome his first apprentice in the months ahead.

Looking ahead, our team will continue coaching on record-keeping, budgeting, and inventory planning, especially as holiday demand approaches. We will also help owners refine their marketing routines, strengthen supplier relationships, and prepare micro-grant proposals for targeted equipment and improvements that raise quality and margins. The dedication and creativity shown by these new business owners and their intern partners have been crucial to the progress so far. Your generosity made it possible for another 45 families to open their doors with a plan, a place, and a path forward.

On behalf of everyone at Leadership Initiatives, thank you for your ongoing support. If you would like to get more involved or learn additional ways to assist, please contact our Executive Director, Marshall Bailly, at mbailly@lichange.org. Your engagement is invaluable to us and we could not do this without you!

Sincerely,

The Leadership Initiatives Team