The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, NASME, in Anambra state, South Eastern Nigeria, has commenced a training workshop for Entrepreneurs and Business owners to upskill them with strategies to access alternative funding opportunities.
The State Chairman of NASME, Chinemerem Oguegbe stated that it is for Anambra indigenes, especially women and youths to start looking inwards to source micro business opportunities available to them.
“The People of Anambra need to seek information that will aid them in growing and building their capacity as Entrepreneurs by identifying with the state chapter of NASME”, he reiterated.
The Bank of Industry’s representative at the SME Clinic, Mr. Chibuzo Oji, listed a number of the BOI’s programs business owners can utilize in order to help businesses scale up SMEs and give their fair share to economic growth in the state of Anambra.
Mr. Oji noted that the BOI offers facilities for enterprises such the Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund and the Anambra MSME Fund (GEF).
“The Anambra MSME Fund is in collaboration with the Anambra State Government and it’s meant for Business operated within Anambra State.”
While “GEF are funds that can be accessed by national youth corps members who are still in orientation camps and want to do business,” he added.
He said the GEF is in collaboration with the NYSC and is targeted at young graduates with entrepreneurial skills.
“BOI can assist them with loans to start up business with their certificate of discharge as collateral.
“The Banks are there and willing to support and fund Manufacturers desirous of upgrading their business through purchase of equipments and upgrade to newer equipments for efficient service delivery.”
He also praised the NASME Anambra Chapter’s leadership for establishing the SME Clinic, which will help Anambra entrepreneurs and company owners develop their capacities to succeed in a variety of ventures.
Youths, women, and manufacturers were in attendance.
One of the participants of the program, Victoria Ezenagu expressed her joy upon knowing they may now get interventions by dialing the various programs offered by the Bank of Industry (BOI).
“I am very happy to participate in this October SME’s Clinic, it’s so assuring to know that fund is no longer a barrier to pursuing my dream business,” Victoria Ezenagu stated.
