First Bank Backs Capacity Development for SMEs

First Bank of Nigeria Limited says it will continue to support the growth of the Small and Medium scale Enterprises as part of the efforts to enhance economic growth.

The lender said its radio programme designed to promote the SMEs had empowered several small businesses across the country.

According to a statement by First Bank, the radio programme tagged the ‘Economy and You’ has featured over 45 entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds since its debut.

The programme, which is broadcast live every Sunday at 6:15pm on Rhythm FM with a repeat broadcast streamed on the Enterprise Development Centre’s website every Wednesday, is a joint initiative of EDC and First Bank.

The radio series is meant to educate and build the capacity of small business owners by providing them with information and resources needed to frown their businesses, according to the lender.

The weekly programme focuses on live interviews of industry experts, accomplished SME entrepreneurs and regulators who take listeners through the process of identifying and making use of opportunities that abound for small and medium businesses in the economy.

Discussions also dwell on how the SMEs can prepare business plans, budget, deal with tax issues and government policies, among others.

The Deputy Managing Director, First Bank, Mr. Gbenga Shobo, said lender’s sponsorship of the programme was in line with its strategy to foster the growth and development of the SMEs in the country.

He added, “We are committed to providing practical help on relevant challenges faced by small businesses and the SMEs will have an unrestricted access to the archived materials from “The Economy and You.”