The fifth ICCEF Big Brothers and Sisters Mentorship Session held on July 18th, 2025, was an insightful and engaging conversation led by Damilola Mutiu, founder and CEO of GreenPad Concepts. As a social entrepreneur passionate about creating solutions for environmental and social challenges, Damilola shared practical lessons on how young people can build businesses that matter by starting small and scaling with intention.
He opened the session by discussing the significance of youth entrepreneurship, describing it as a powerful tool for turning ideas into sustainable solutions that address social, environmental, and economic challenges. Damilola made a clear distinction between entrepreneurship and traditional business, explaining that while business may focus on profit, entrepreneurship is rooted in solving specific problems. This mindset, he noted, is what drives impact and creates lasting value.
Damilola stressed the importance of starting small regardless of available capital. For him, starting small is not just about managing limited resources but about gaining flexibility, testing ideas with minimal risk, and building customer loyalty early on. It is through this process that entrepreneurs learn valuable lessons, adapt to challenges, and lay a solid foundation for long-term growth.
Throughout the session, he emphasised the need for young entrepreneurs to develop the right mindset—one that is anchored in clear goal setting, market understanding, flexibility, and the willingness to take calculated risks. Damilola encouraged participants to be proactive in spotting opportunities, staying adaptable, and innovating to create solutions that meet evolving needs. He underlined the importance of having a clear vision, being persistent, and thinking critically about the future of one’s business.
In speaking to the broader context, he pointed to Nigeria’s high unemployment rates and the abundance of local problems waiting to be solved as strong reasons why young people should embrace entrepreneurship. Damilola reminded participants that starting small gives room to learn, grow, and eventually scale big with confidence.
During the Q&A session, a participant asked about the role of bookkeeping in small and medium-sized businesses. Damilola took time to explain its importance, recommending that entrepreneurs maintain four separate records: income, expenses, assets, and inventory. He explained that keeping these distinct records not only helps in tracking transactions but also enables better financial management, ensuring the business remains on a sustainable path.
As the session ended, Damilola encouraged everyone to start where they are, stay consistent, and surround themselves with support systems through mentorship and networking. His message was clear entrepreneurship is a journey of continuous learning, and the path from small beginnings to significant impact is built on resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to growth.
ICCEF’s Big Brothers and Sisters Mentorship Sessions continues to be a meaningful space for young people to learn, ask questions, and leave with the clarity and confidence to take purposeful steps toward building their future.
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