Access Bank Plc has partnered with global consultancy firm Deloitte to launch a nationwide SME Business Clinic aimed at strengthening the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The initiative is designed to provide practical support for entrepreneurs through expert guidance, improved access to finance, and insights tailored to the local market environment.
The SME Business Clinic debuted in Lagos and simultaneously in Abuja, with plans to expand to other major cities across Nigeria throughout the year. Centered around the theme “Building a Resilient, Profitable and Future-Ready Business in Nigeria,” the program delivers practical advisory services that address the unique challenges faced by businesses at various stages of development—from micro-enterprises to more established firms.
The clinics feature more than 50 Deloitte professionals, including auditors, tax advisors, legal specialists, and financial consultants, who offer one-on-one consultations. These experts assist entrepreneurs in resolving critical business issues such as tax planning, regulatory compliance, cash flow management, and strategies for expansion in a dynamic economic environment.
Rob Giles, Senior Banking Advisor at Access Bank, highlighted the bank’s ongoing dedication to the SME sector, stating that Access Bank currently supports over 7.5 million SME customers across the country. He emphasized that the success of these businesses directly influences the bank’s own growth, saying, “Our business grows when your business grows.”
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Giles also noted that the bank’s engagement with entrepreneurs over the years has revealed three consistent challenges: limited access to finance, markets, and reliable information. To address these, the bank has developed innovative solutions tailored to each business’s stage of development.
Participants at the Lagos session described the clinic as eye-opening. Ogechi Eze, founder of Oge’s Closet and Hair Hub, commended Access Bank for its unwavering support, noting how such initiatives have positively impacted her entrepreneurial journey.
