Small business owners who participated in the Access Bank and Deloitte SME Clinic have heaped praises on Access Bank for its continued support and empowerment of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Mr. Imomo Kennedy, owner of Enable Integrated International Services, described the initiative as a game-changer that has opened his eyes to new possibilities in business banking and financial literacy.
“Access Bank has just opened my eyes to a lot of things. I now understand there are various account types and support structures that businesses like mine can tap into and benefit from,” he said. “Access to finance and business knowledge has been a major challenge for many entrepreneurs. What I’ve gained today is a way forward not just for me, but for any SME or Nano business out there.”
He further emphasised the global relevance of supporting small businesses, noting that in countries like the U.S., China, and India, SMEs form the backbone of the economy and enjoy robust institutional support.
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“In America, most taxes are generated from small businesses. China and India also thrive because they’ve created strong ecosystems for small businesses. Access Bank’s initiative aligns with global best practices, and I must say, this is the right path to take,” Kennedy said, adding that Access Bank now holds the highest number of small businesses in its patronage portfolio.
Also lending her voice, Ms. Oge Chiezuko, founder of Oge’s Closet and Hair Hub, commended Access Bank’s consistent commitment to entrepreneurs.
“I’ve been banking with Access Bank for five to eight years, and they always come through for me. From helping with POS issues to providing general business support, they’ve been dependable. That’s why I made it a point to attend today’s clinic,” she said.
Describing the SME Clinic as “wonderful” and “very impactful,” Chiezuko expressed optimism about her business trajectory following the program. “After today, I’m confident my business will move to the next level.”
The Access Bank SME Clinic, held in partnership with Deloitte, is part of the bank’s broader initiative to drive financial inclusion, capacity building, and economic empowerment across Nigeria by equipping small businesses with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to grow.
Speaking at the event, Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head of SME Banking at Access Bank, emphasized that SMEs need three fundamental resources: access to finance, access to information, and access to market opportunities.
“Access Bank aims to support SMEs not only with financial resources but also with expert guidance to help them overcome challenges, especially during periods of policy or economic uncertainty,” she said
