Blessing Akpan

***-*** *** ****** ****, Waterloo, ON, N2L 1W5 641-***-**** ac8j9p@r.postjobfree.com

Profile

A Business Development Specialist with 8 years of experience at a management level in the areas of business

training facilitation, business support services, and marketing. A result-oriented individual who

possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and who ensures efficiency in all projects.

Highlight of Skills and Qualifications

Advanced analytical and complex problem-solving skills.

Proven leadership capability with 8 years of business management consultancy, and as a Project Team Lead providing business structure training for small businesses.

Excellent communication skills (creative and formal writing, public speaking, and coaching).

Strong in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Visio).

Good cross-cultural interpersonal skills; proven ability to plan, support, and motivate teams.

Keen administrative skills; able to manage and organize human and material resources.

Professional Experience

ASSISTANT PRODUCER (PART TIME)

Naija Girl Studios (Film Production) 2019

Successfully ensure accurate scheduling and communication of task calendar to all team members

Successfully document and communicate minutes of all meetings

First point of contact for phone and mail correspondence

Maintain and manage project stake holder relationships

LEAD CONSULTANT

The Bridge Consulting (Management Consultancy) 2018

Successfully developed and deployed process document templates for the business’ operational management of clientele, mainly Micro and Small Enterprises.

Facilitated business trainings for NGOs, public and private organizations.

Led a 5-person team through a 2-stage examination selection process for the World Bank sponsored GEM BIG Portal Project, and in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment

Successfully led the team in delivering business development services to 30 MSME’s, initial evaluations resulted in 18 being eligible for grants

Was 1 of 10 nationwide UNIDO Master Trainers (online) for the Nigerian HP LIFE Entrepreneurship Program.

TEAM LEAD - MARKETING AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM (5-PERSON TEAM)

CBN South – South Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC) (Social Enterprise) 2015 - 2017

Successfully conceptualized and developed content for over 20 different editions of monthly newsletters, and over 100 editions of a weekly radio show

Successfully grew the social media followership from 0 to over 10, 000

Planned and executed over 15 quarterly events aimed at increasing visibility amongst stakeholders and established beneficial corporate relationships

Achieved project requirement of consistent registration of over 500 participants per quarter.

TEAM LEAD – CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION UNIT (27-PERSON TEAM)

CBN South – South Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC) (Social Enterprise) 2013 – 2015

Recruited, inducted, and managed full and part-time facilitators; successfully developed quarterly training schedule and budgets

Conducted a bi-annual review of the training curriculum to ensure it followed global best practices

Facilitated weekly business management classes focused on Human Resource Management, Strategic Planning, Marketing, Leadership, and Basic Finance

Ensured accurate periodic reports compiled from analyzed data from class surveys to help support management decisions on planned improvements

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

Advantium Consulting 2011 - 2013

Responsible to deliver management-based solutions, including conducting needs assessments and develop and deliver operational templates, training,

Conceptualized, developed, and facilitated a leadership training camp for 100 girls for the client’s Four Pillars Plus Project – sponsored by FHI 360

Developed and facilitated entrepreneurship training and business concept development for ex-militants under the Amnesty Program and was sponsored by the Federal Government of Nigeria

Developed a training manual and facilitated peak performance and work ethics training and consultancy for 22 management staff – sponsored by University of Calabar Micro Finance Bank

ECONOMICS LECTURER

Jigawa State Polytechnic – Dutse, Nigeria 2007 - 2008

Responsible for developing lecture notes based on the school’s curriculum, and to administer classes, tests, and examinations

EDUCATION

CERTIFICATE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL MANAGEMENT - ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE OF INDIA, AHMEDABAD INDIA 2015

M.Sc Finance and Economics -University Of East Anglia – Norwich, UK 2008 - 2009

B.Sc Economics - University Of Calabar – Cross River, Nigeria 2002 - 2006

Diploma of Data Processing - Bytex Computer Systems – Lagos, Nigeria 2000 - 2001

Volunteer Experience

Mentor - Young Women Mentoring Program - Afterschool Centre For Career Development 2016 - 2018

Volunteer Trainer - Lead Inspire Transformation 2012 – 2018

Supported Young Adults in Developing Leadership Competencies

Volunteer Trainer - American Corner Calabar 2012 -2016

Supported teenagers and young adults in enhancing self-learning and life skills.

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