Mo Thompson’s Consulting has unveiled a nationwide initiative aimed at equipping 10,000 micro-enterprises run by military and police officers’ wives with essential tools for long-term business sustainability.
Speaking at the launch event at ICAN House, Lagos, the firm’s Senior Partner, Mohammed Thompson, highlighted the importance of structured business models in overcoming Nigeria’s economic challenges. He noted that many businesses collapse within two to three years due to poor planning and a lack of understanding of industry dynamics.
“Many entrepreneurs start with money and an idea, but without a structured plan, their ventures struggle to survive,” he explained. He added that while access to capital is important, business owners must also grasp market volatility, industry-specific challenges, and growth strategies to succeed.
Thompson, who grew up in a military environment and attended military school, understands the unique challenges faced by business owners within barracks communities. He pointed out that most businesses in military and police barracks fail to expand beyond their immediate environment. The initiative, he said, will provide mentorship and practical support to help these businesses scale nationally and internationally.
To achieve this, Mo Thompson’s Consulting is working with key organizations, including the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Bank of Industry, and the Ministry of Trade and Investment. These partnerships will connect business owners to government intervention programmes and funding opportunities.
The initiative will target members of associations such as the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), and Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA).
Rather than reaching all 10,000 entrepreneurs at once, Thompson explained that a phased approach will be adopted. Partner associations will be allocated a quota per state, ensuring nationwide representation. In the first phase, 2,000 women will be supported annually.
The programme will blend virtual learning, mentorship, and in-person engagements where necessary. “Many of our activities will be online to ensure wider participation, but we will also conduct in-person sessions across different states when required,” Thompson said.
He also noted that many entrepreneurs struggle with funding due to a lack of awareness and improper business planning. Mo Thompson’s Consulting will act as an intermediary, guiding business owners through the funding application process and ensuring accountability in fund utilization.
“The Bank of Industry and other institutions have trained and licensed us to support entrepreneurs. We don’t just help people apply for funds; we mentor them and ensure the money is used as intended. If a beneficiary misuses the funds, we are also held accountable,” Thompson stated.
The consulting firm’s team includes experts in grant writing, financial advisory, technology, and legal services. Thompson emphasized that this is not a one-man initiative but a collective effort to ensure businesses receive comprehensive support, from registration and documentation to financial planning and digital transformation.
With this initiative, Mo Thompson’s Consulting aims to empower women entrepreneurs in military and police communities, helping them build scalable, sustainable businesses that can thrive beyond their immediate environments.
