FCMB Empowers SMEs

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has provided a platform for SMEs to expand beyond the shores of the country.

Recently, the bank organised virtual seminars for the business operators aimed at connecting them with globally recognised experts and business entities.

The match-making seminars were organised in collaboration with the Nigeria-Belgian Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and recorded a number of quality businesses in attendance.

In a statement signed by the Group Head, Corporate Affairs of FCMB, Mr. Diran Olojo, the bank explained that the forum provided platforms to expose and connect its SME customers to lucrative global opportunities with European and Middle East based businesses. This was to enhance growth, competitiveness and sustainability of Nigeria based SMEs in the global environment.

According to the statement, the first virtual seminar, tagged “Energy Catalyst,” held from June 1 to 5, brought together over 50 SMEs based in Nigeria and 12 United Kingdom based ones to explore opportunities to partner in the execution of renewable energy projects along with the possibility of receiving grants from Innovate UK , a research and innovation agency in the UK. The webinar featured informative discussions covering topics like; Energy access situation in Nigeria, how to do business in Nigeria (etiquette, environment, culture).

Among the experts that provided insight and solutions were the Chief Executive Officer, All On, Dr. Wiebe Boer; Partner, Tax, Regulatory & People Services at KPMG Mr. Adewale Ajayi; Executive Director, Business Development, FCMB, Mrs. Bukola Smith: Group Head, Business Banking, of the Bank, Mr. George Ogbonnaya, among others.

“The second seminar, which took the form of a virtual trade fair, was held on July 7. It focused on enlightening SME on the vast opportunities of manufacturing in Qatar and the numerous partnership possibilities with leading manufacturers in construction, building materials & plastic industries based in the Middle East region,” it added.

The speakers urged SMEs in Nigeria to look beyond their immediate environment by forming alliances with other businesses across the world to tap from the vast opportunities that globalisation offers.