Sterling Bank Plc has announced the launch of the Sterling Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Academy to build capacity for MSMEs in the country.
The move, according to the bank is part of its value-added offering for its SUPA Business Account holders.
“This is in furtherance of the bank’s commitment to enriching lives by focusing on the unique needs of its entrepreneurial customers; and giving teeth to private sector involvement in the development of small businesses and the Nigerian economy at large,” a statement by the bank said.
The Group Head, Strategy and Communications, Sterling Bank, Mr. Shina Atilola, was quoted as saying, “The Sterling MSME Academy is aimed at capacity building for existing and emerging micro, small and medium enterprises to enable them build viable businesses and position them to access funds for expansion.
“MSMEs would also enjoy access to relevant and reliable business intelligence and information that would help them to navigate the challenging operating environment.”
According to the statement, the academy is to be facilitated by International Finance Corporation and Enterprise Development Centre-certified MSME trainers and will run from September 23 to October 14.
It, however, said that registration for the academy would commence on August 17.
Stressing the benefits of the academy, Atilola explained that it was expected that the MSMEs would experience improved asset quality as they were better equipped to manage their funds and maximise business profit.
Similarly, given the fact that access to funds is a challenge to most businesses, he said the businesses would be equipped and coached towards accessing finance from local and international financial institutions.
Sterling Bank had in June last year partnered with LEAP Africa to organise the 10th edition of the Annual Africa CEO Forum, which had the theme, ‘Staying Ahead: Maximising profit and mitigating risk’.
It said the programme provided an avenue for the CEOs to understand how to ensure proper risk identification, assessment and analysis. These factors were identified as key to minimising revenue loss and ensuring continued business survival.

Source: http://www.punchng.com/business/money/sterling-bank-to-boost-msme-development-with-academy/

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