Hundreds of existing and start-up entrepreneurs based in Oyo State have benefitted from the seventh edition of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB)-organised free comprehensive capacity building programme, tagged, “Business Enterprises and Sustainability Training (BEST)’’, for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).
The training, organised by FCMB Training Academy, the Bank’s Business Banking Group and seasoned facilitators, focused on business and skills development, marketing, finance and accounting for SMEs. It was held on Saturday, August 25, 2019 in Ibadan, Oyo State and attended by over 300 entrepreneurs across various segments of business.
The programme covered various topical areas such as identifying business opportunities, surviving in a harsh business environment and improving productivity. Other major areas covered also include raising capital, optimising sales, cost and revenue management, among others. It is one of the value-added offerings of FCMB to complement its efforts in the areas of lending and advisory services to SMEs with the objective of stimulating their growth and contributions to overall national development.
According to the Executive Director, Business Development of FCMB, Mrs. Bukola Smith, the Bank recognises the increasing role and impact of SMEs. ‘’The BEST initiative is one of the innovative ways we empower, promote and lay a solid foundation for the long-term success of our SME customers. Without effective training and exposure, it could be quite difficult for their businesses to succeed. We believe this training will go a long way to impact positively on the SME operators who have participated in this programme. It will propel them to further develop themselves in order to compete favourably within and outside the Nigerian market. We, therefore, urge the beneficiaries to take advantage of the unique opportunities provided by this exercise. It is a veritable platform for them to take the lead to drive the diversification and growth of the Nigerian economy’’, she said.
