A nationwide SME Business Clinic, has been launched to provide small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria with expert support, strategic tools, and improved access to financing. Beginning in Lagos and Abuja, the initiative is expanding to major cities under the theme ‘Building a Resilient, Profitable and Future-Ready Business in Nigeria’.
Designed to offer practical, tailored support, the program features one-on-one advisory sessions for businesses at various stages, from nano-enterprises to growth-ready ventures. Entrepreneurs receive guidance on regulatory compliance, tax management, legal structuring, and strategic business expansion.
More than 50 professionals—including financial advisers, legal experts, and tax consultants,are offering hands-on advice to help businesses overcome daily operational challenges. Unlike conventional workshops, the clinic focuses on personalized solutions, ensuring that each participating business receives targeted support.
A senior banking executive involved in the program explained that the clinic addresses the most pressing needs of Nigerian SMEs: access to finance, access to markets, and access to actionable business knowledge. He emphasized that the goal is not just to teach but to solve real problems that hinder business growth.
Organizers highlighted that the initiative also tackles long-standing issues affecting SME profitability, such as weak business structures and poor financial planning. The program encourages entrepreneurs to adopt sustainable practices that reduce risk and position them for long-term success.
One of the leading advocates of the clinic noted that SMEs account for more than 51 percent of Nigeria’s GDP, and with the right support, their impact could be significantly greater. She stressed that this program signals a move from policy discussions to practical action.
In addition to advisory services, the clinic features a flexible financing model aimed at supporting businesses at different growth stages, including those that may not yet qualify for traditional loans. This approach seeks to bridge the financing gap that has long hindered small businesses from scaling effectively.
Further bolstering the program impact, a $280 million funding deal has been secured to enhance SME financing in Nigeria. This injection of capital is expected to provide more entrepreneurs with the financial backing needed to sustain and grow their ventures in a challenging economic environment.
As the business clinic rolls out across the country, it brings fresh hope to Nigeria’s vibrant SME sector, offering real tools for resilience, profitability, and long-term growth.
