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Empowerment

Keystone Bank SME Business Clinic Empowers Entrepreneurs Nationwide

Published

10 months ago

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Keystone Bank SME Business Clinic

Keystone Bank SME Business Clinic empowers Nigerian entrepreneurs with training, tools and insights to scale and sustain their small businesses across 10 cities

Keystone Bank has empowered thousands of Nigerian entrepreneurs through its SME Business Clinic, held in 10 cities to mark the 2025 United Nations World SME Day.

Also read: Lagos SMEs Export Readiness Programme Empowers Businesses for Global Trade

The Keystone Bank SME Business Clinic, themed Empowering SMEs for Growth and Sustainability, ran throughout June across markets in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Aba, Asaba, Onitsha, Kano, Maiduguri, Kaduna, Abuja and Ibadan.

The programme delivered expert-led training, strategic guidance and networking opportunities tailored to small and medium-scale businesses.

Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking, Olayemi Sule, said the bank recognises the transformative role SMEs play in the country’s economy.

“At Keystone Bank, we understand the vital role SMEs play in national development. The SME Business Clinic was designed to equip business owners with practical tools and knowledge to scale their ventures, build resilience, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth,” she explained.

Each session included hands-on workshops and Q&A forums, offering direct insights into the realities entrepreneurs face daily. Topics ranged from financing options to business continuity planning in volatile markets.

Participants commended Keystone Bank for extending genuine support beyond banking. Many described the event as timely and practical, noting that the initiative made them feel “seen, heard and encouraged.”

“It’s rare to see a bank come down to our level, talk to us directly, and teach us things that make sense in our business lives,” said one participant in Onitsha.

The event aligns with findings from the Moniepoint Informal Economy Report 2024, which estimates Nigeria is home to around 40 million MSMEs—over 89 per cent of them operating within the informal sector.

Also read: Wema Bank Launches Export Trade Academy to Empower Nigerian SMEs in International Markets

Keystone Bank’s initiative not only recognises their contribution but also seeks to formalise, strengthen and sustain these vital engines of the Nigerian economy.

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Rotary District 9112 Boosts Education with ₦14.9m Scholarship for Students

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Rotary District 9112 awards ₦14.9 million scholarships to 23 students in Lagos and Ogun States under its educational welfare programme (more…)

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Economy

UBEC Releases N5.18bn Boost for Nigerian Basic Education Reform

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Empowerment

AICL Partners AEA for Second Edition of Youth Hunt Competition… Opens application portal, targets ages 18–40 years

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3 weeks ago

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April 23, 2026

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The Abuja Investments Company Limited has launched the second edition of the Abuja Young Entrepreneurs Hunt Competition in partnership with the Abuja Enterprise Agency, targeting innovators aged 18 to 40 years across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, AEA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, said the initiative builds on the success of its maiden edition and is aimed at expanding opportunities for young Nigerians in key sectors.

According to him, the application portal, www.Ayehunt.com, opened at midnight and will remain accessible to eligible applicants, with the programme widely publicised media platforms.

He described the competition as a strategic platform to tackle youth unemployment by promoting creativity, innovation, and enterprise development among graduates and skilled youths.

He added that meaningful economic growth requires deliberate investment in human capital alongside infrastructure.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe noted that the 2026 programme will focus on three priority areas—Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Creative Industries, particularly Fashion, and Agriculture.

Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of AICL, Amb.  Maureen Tamuno PhD represented by Chief Investment Officer Abiodun Akanbi, described the partnership as a forward-looking investment in the FCT’s economic future.

According to her, the programme is designed to equip young entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and funding opportunities needed to transform ideas into viable businesses.

She added that the initiative will provide participants access to business development support and opportunities to pitch their ideas to investors, noting that such platforms are critical to building sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Tamuno also highlighted improvements in the FCT’s business climate, citing its rise in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)rankings from 31st to 4th position as evidence of ongoing reforms.

The event featured a testimonial from Fatima Bello Suleiman, first runner-up of the inaugural edition, who credited the programme with boosting her confidence and opening new professional opportunities.

Organisers urged eligible youths to apply, assuring that the competition will be transparent, impactful, and transformative

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