First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has trained and empowered 44,278 entrepreneurs with essential business skills since 2018, strengthening Nigeria’s small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. The initiative is part of the bank’s Business Empowerment Sustainability and Training (BEST) Masterclass, a nationwide program designed to enhance business sustainability and growth.
In a statement, FCMB reaffirmed its commitment to SME development through a combination of financial and non-financial support, with a particular focus on empowering women-owned businesses.
FCMB’s Managing Director, Yemisi Edun, emphasized the bank’s role in fostering sustainable business success across Nigeria.
“We are closing entrepreneurial gaps to drive innovation, job creation, and economic resilience. Investing in entrepreneurial talent strengthens the private sector’s capacity to propel national progress.”
Read also: FCMB unveils accelerator programme for SMEs across Nigeria
Echoing this sentiment, George Ogbonnaya, FCMB’s Divisional Head and Senior Vice President of Business Banking, described the BEST Masterclass as a strategic intervention aimed at equipping SMEs with the tools needed to navigate a dynamic market.
“We are bridging the capacity gap by providing SMEs with essential skills, market access, and tailored financial solutions. Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs in Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, and Ondo States to achieve lasting prosperity.”
The latest phase of the BEST Masterclass has been conducted across the Southeast, South-South, and Northern regions, with the next sessions set to take place from March 12 to March 21, 2025, in Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Osun, and Ondo States.
Participants will benefit from interactive workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities led by industry experts and accomplished business leaders. Key focus areas include:
Financial Literacy – Mastering cash flow management and investment strategies
Digital Marketing – Leveraging online platforms for business growth
Operational Optimization – Enhancing efficiency for long-term sustainability
Strategic Planning – Building competitive business models
Sustainable Business Practices – Integrating ethical and eco-friendly approaches
With this initiative, FCMB continues to empower SMEs, ensuring they thrive in an evolving business landscape and contribute to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
