First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has trained 44,278 entrepreneurs in essential business skills since 2018 through its Business Empowerment Sustainability and Training (BEST) masterclass. The initiative, which runs nationwide, aims to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the knowledge and capabilities needed for long-term success.
According to a statement from the bank, the training is part of FCMB’s broader commitment to SME development in Nigeria, offering financial and non-financial support, including programs tailored for women-owned businesses.
FCMB’s Managing Director, Yemisi Edun, emphasized the bank’s focus on closing entrepreneurial gaps to foster innovation, growth, job creation, and economic sustainability. “Investing in entrepreneurial talent is an investment in Nigeria’s future, strengthening the private sector’s capacity to drive national economic progress,” she stated.
Divisional Head and Senior Vice President of Business Banking, George Ogbonnaya, described the BEST masterclass as a strategic intervention designed to help SMEs navigate and thrive in an evolving market. “We are bridging the capacity gap, opening market access, and delivering tailored financial solutions to empower entrepreneurs in Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, and Ondo states to achieve lasting prosperity,” he said.
The program has recently been conducted across Southeast, South-South, and Northern Nigeria. The next phase, scheduled from March 12 to March 21, 2025, will take place in Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Osun, and Ondo states.
Participants will receive hands-on training on financial literacy, digital marketing, operational efficiency, sustainability, and strategic business planning. The masterclass, facilitated by industry experts and successful business leaders, will also provide networking opportunities and mentorship, ensuring entrepreneurs gain practical insights to remain competitive in today’s business landscape.
