As part of its efforts to strengthen and empower the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) businesses in the country, Skye Bank plc is set to commence a series of capacity building workshops and seminars in some priority sectors for owners of small and medium scale businesses.
According to a release issued by the bank, the objective of the seminar series is to empower the MSMEs for growth by providing insights into common issues that affect their operations, namely management, operations and finance.
The statement further said by bridging the identified skill gaps, the entrepreneurs can become sufficiently scalable to contribute to the development of the economy, especially in the area of employment generation.
“For Skye Bank, the empowerment programme is a strategic scheme which forms part of the delivery of its SME banking promise which is to nurture businesses for growth. The maiden edition of the Skye Business Seminar Series is focused on two sectors, i.e. general commerce and manufacturing and is scheduled to take place in Onitsha on April 16, 2015, and monthly thereafter. As part of the value adds for the MSMEs, we have partnered other stakeholders such as Business Development Support Providers, the Bank of Industry, Computer Warehouse Group and Microsoft,” the statement said.
According to the bank, the seminars would also provide networking opportunities for the entrepreneurs, with the benefits expected to be reaped in many folds.
Skye Bank has been appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria as one of the banks to disburse the N220 billion MSME fund, the statement explained, adding that the bank was in strategic partnership with other development finance institutions to provide affordable financing over a long term
Beyond financing, the bank is introducing a best-in-class business account with compelling benefits to MSMEs such as reduced bank charges (free cheque book, free debit cards); flexible options; discounted pricing on loans and much more. The bank is committed to MSMEs and has designed products and services that meet their needs.
HOPE MOSES-ASHIKE
