The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, NASME, in Anambra state, south eastern Nigeria, is hosting a training workshop for Entrepreneurs and Business owners to enrich them with strategies to access alternative funding opportunities.
The State Chairman of NASME, Chinemerem Oguegbe stated that there was a need for Anambra indigenes, especially women and youths to start looking inwards to explore 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 Representative of the Bank of Industry at the SME Clinic, Mr Chibuzo Oji reeled out some of the programs of the Bank of Industry, (BOI) which businesses can access to help scale up SMEs and contribute their quota to economic growth in Anambra state.
According to Mr Oji, the facilities available at BOI for entrepreneurs include; Anambra MSME Funds and the Graduate Enterpreneurship 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, applauded the leadership of NASME Anambra Chapter for creating the SME Clinic that will aid in building the capacity of Anambra Entrepreneurs and Business Owners to become successful in their various businesses
Youths,Women and Manufacturers were in attendance. A cross-section of participants interviewed by Voice of Nigeria Correspondent were elated that they now know that they can source intervention by keying into the various programs reeled out 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.
Hauwa Abu
