Dozens of small business owners across Nigeria’s southwest are reporting significant improvements in how they run their businesses, following their participation in the Business Empowerment, Sustainability and Training (BEST) Masterclass organized by First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
The latest phase of the training, which concluded in March 2025, reached entrepreneurs in Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Kwara states. Held between March 12 and 21, the sessions focused on practical topics such as financial management, digital marketing, business planning, and sustainable growth strategies.
Several participants also received free business registration through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), supported by FCMB, enabling them to formalize their operations—an important step for access to financing and broader market opportunities.
For many, the experience was transformative. A small business owner from Kwara State, Jide Olaniyi, said he was initially skeptical but found the training invaluable.
“I left with a deeper understanding of how to structure my business and apply digital tools. I’m already seeing real changes in how I operate,” he said.
Patricia Simisola from Ogun noted that the opportunity to formalize her business gave her the confidence to scale.
“The business registration support was a bonus. It gave me the push I needed to take my business seriously,” she said.
Participants also highlighted the importance of peer learning and networking during the programme. Dolapo Olayiwola, who attended the Oyo session, said the training shifted her mindset.
“It changed how I approach decision-making. I now have a clearer path to growth without losing focus,” she said.
FCMB’s Divisional Head of Business Banking, George Ogbonnaya, said the BEST programme reflects the bank’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and MSME development.
“We’re not just offering financial products—we’re building capacity. Our goal is to help entrepreneurs create sustainable and scalable businesses,” he said.
Since launching in 2018, the BEST Masterclass has trained hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs across Nigeria. FCMB says it plans to expand the initiative further, offering education, mentorship, and access to essential infrastructure to help businesses thrive long after the training ends.
