Beneficiary: Marshall Sani Umar
Sector: Agro Business
Business Name: Marshall Food and Marshall Biscuit
Marshall Biscuits and Food, based in Kano, Nigeria, stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and community impact. Founded by Mr. Umar Sani Marshall, the business has undergone a remarkable journey, transitioning from humble beginnings to becoming a thriving enterprise that not only contributes to the local economy but also empowers women in the community.
Marshall Biscuits and Food is a legacy passed down from Mr. Marshall’s father. When Mr. Marshall took the reins, the business operated with just two staff members. Through his vision and hard work, the workforce grew steadily to ten employees. However, it was his bold decision to leverage his personal assets, using his house as collateral to secure a loan, that propelled the business forward.
The turning point for Marshall Biscuits and Food came with the support of the BRAVE Women Nigeria Project. Securing a matching grant of $50,000, the business was able to invest in crucial equipment, including packaging machines, mixers, and a generator for reliable power supply. This injection of funds enabled the expansion of product lines and significantly enhanced production efficiency.
Before the intervention of the BRAVE Women Nigeria Project, Marshall Biscuits and Food produced six products. Today, they boast an impressive portfolio of fifteen different biscuit varieties. Furthermore, advancements in technology and process optimization facilitated the transition from corn-based to wheat-based and sorghum-based cheese balls production, elevating product quality and reducing waste.
A distinguishing aspect of Marshall Biscuits and Food is its commitment to empowering women, particularly widows and less privileged individuals. From a workforce of merely ten employees, the company now proudly employs over 200 women in its factory. This not only provides livelihood opportunities but also fosters economic independence and social inclusion within the community.
Buoyed by their success, Marshall Biscuits and Food has set its sights on new horizons. With a 70% increase in turnover, the company aims to expand its market reach beyond local borders. Plans are underway to explore export opportunities to neighboring countries such as Chad, leveraging Kano’s strategic location. Additionally, the business is keen to re-establish its partnership with the Kano State Government to contribute to the school feeding program, aligning with its commitment to social responsibility.
Mr. Umar Sani Marshall expresses profound gratitude to the BRAVE Women Nigeria Project and its dedicated team for their unwavering support and guidance throughout the journey. Their partnership has been instrumental in facilitating growth, fostering innovation, and empowering the community.
Marshall Biscuits and Food stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and community empowerment. From its modest beginnings to its current stature, the business exemplifies the transformative power of dedication, collaboration, and resilience. As it continues to chart new territories and uplift lives, Marshall Biscuits and Food remains an inspiring success story, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and create positive change.
