The Ebonyi State Government is doubling down on its efforts to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state, with plans for new batches of empowerment programs targeting young entrepreneurs. Chief Matthias Adum, the Principal Secretary to the State Governor, emphasized the government’s commitment to SME development during a meeting with the executives of the Ebonyi Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (EBASME).
Adum highlighted previous empowerment initiatives, including financial support for small business operators and street hawkers. He praised the formation of EBASME, noting that the association would facilitate access to government-funded loans, grants, and financial assistance for SMEs in the state.
Encouraging members of EBASME to be creative and industrious, Adum stressed the importance of hard work and entrepreneurship. He assured them of the government’s support in addressing their needs and partnering with relevant ministries and agencies to promote SME development.
Adun pledged to collaborate with the Director of the Ebonyi Small and Medium Development Agency to address EBASME’s requests and streamline the process for accessing government assistance. He emphasized Governor Francis Nwifuru’s commitment to uplifting traders and hawkers from the streets and integrating them into the formal economy.
In response, EBASME Chairman, Mr. Joseph Erishi, expressed the association’s desire for partnership with the government to access single-digit interest SME funds. He also called for inclusion in government-sponsored trade missions and restructuring of the conditions for accessing SME funds to accommodate genuine and active entrepreneurs.
Overall, the meeting underscores the state government’s proactive approach to SME development and its collaboration with stakeholders to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship in Ebonyi State.
