FCMB Reiterates Support for SMEs
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has reiterated its commitment to champion and execute initiatives that would boost the growth and performance of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) through increased lending, capacity building, advisory and value-added offerings that would fast-track overall national development.
The bank gave the assurance during the third series of its free capacity building programme tagged: “Business Enterprises and Sustainability Training (BEST)’’ that was organised for existing and new SMEs in Abuja recently.
This followed the success of the first and second editions of the training in Lagos.
According to a statement, the initiative, led by FCMB Training Academy, the bank’s business banking group and facilitators, focused on business and skills development, marketing, finance and accounting for SMEs.
It covered various topical areas such as identifying business opportunities, improving productivity, raising capital, optimising sales, cost and revenue management among others.
Speaking on the BEST initia- tive, the Executive Director, Business Development of FCMB, Mrs. Bukola Smith, said the bank recognises the increasing role and impact of SMEs on the lives of people and the society.
According to her: “the BEST initiative is one of the innovative ways we support the growth of our SME customers because without effective training and exposure, it can be a challenge to succeed.
“In FCMB, we are passionate about helping our customers thrive in a sustainable manner. We believe that this comprehensive training programme will go a long way to impact positively on the operators of SMEs and propel them to further develop themselves.
“This will also help them take their respective businesses to the next level and compete favourably within and outside the Nigerian market. We therefore, urge participants to take advantage of the unique opportunities provided by FCMB.”
Also commenting, the Head, Training Academy of FCMB, Mr. Sola Oyegbade, stated: “BEST Initiative is a proof of our commitment to the growth and sustainability of the SMEs.
“We focus on helping and getting these businesses sustained beyond just focusing on what value they add to our own Business on the immediate, and then overlook the critical need to develop the nation’s growing economy. A number of our SME partners who have participated in earlier versions of this training, are much better off today.’’
The participants at the training expressed gratitude to FCMB for living up to its value as a simple, reliable and helpful bank that creates opportunities and values.