Keystone Bank Hosts SME Business Clinic

 

Keystone Bank has reinforced its commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises across Nigeria by organizing a nationwide SME Business Clinic, an initiative aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and practical tools they need to grow and sustain their businesses.

The Business Clinic, which took place in June, covered ten major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ibadan, Aba, Asaba, Onitsha, Maiduguri, and Kaduna, bringing together hundreds of business owners eager to learn how to better navigate the challenges of running a business in Nigeria’s tough economic climate.

Speaking on the purpose of the clinic, Olayemi Sule, Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking at Keystone Bank, said the initiative was designed to address the real needs of SMEs, which remain the backbone of the Nigerian economy but often struggle with access to finance, management capacity, and market reach. She noted that many small businesses fail not because they lack good ideas but because they do not have the right support to manage risks, adapt to market changes, and stay compliant with regulations. According to her, the SME Business Clinic was the Bank’s way of standing side-by-side with business owners and providing more than just financial services.

At each stop, the clinic featured hands-on workshops and sessions led by experts in business development, accounting, marketing, and regulatory compliance. Entrepreneurs learned practical ways to keep better financial records, manage cash flow, market their products effectively, and build resilience against common risks like inflation and rising operational costs. Participants were given real-world case studies and encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences, making each session interactive and relatable.

Many attendees expressed appreciation for the training, saying it gave them fresh ideas and the confidence to tackle day-to-day challenges more effectively. For small business owners in cities like Aba and Onitsha, where trade and small manufacturing are major sources of livelihoods, the sessions on managing supply chains, digital marketing, and bookkeeping were particularly helpful. Some business owners said they planned to immediately apply the knowledge gained to improve their operations and expand their customer base.

Beyond workshops, the Business Clinic also provided opportunities for networking. Many participants said one of the biggest benefits was meeting other entrepreneurs, sharing challenges, and exploring potential partnerships. Some described it as a rare chance to connect with banking professionals who understand the unique realities faced by SMEs, rather than seeing the bank only as a place to open accounts or take loans.

The initiative forms part of Keystone Bank’s wider strategy to position itself as an SME-friendly bank. In recent months, the bank has signed partnerships with institutions like the Pan-Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre to promote youth entrepreneurship and financial literacy. It has also teamed up with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to offer consultancy support to micro, small, and medium enterprises in Lagos, providing services that help businesses strengthen their structures and remain competitive.

The Bank’s management said they recognize that funding alone does not guarantee business success. While loans and credit facilities are important, many SMEs also need training, mentoring, and connections to new markets to succeed. By combining financial services with capacity building and expert advice, Keystone Bank says it hopes to bridge the knowledge gap that holds back many promising businesses.

Keystone Bank’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, the bank was named the “Most SME-Friendly Bank of the Year” at the Champion Newspapers’ Excellence Awards, a recognition that Olayemi Sule said reflects the Bank’s commitment to delivering value beyond banking. She added that the award would encourage the team to expand programmes like the Business Clinic to reach even more entrepreneurs, especially those in underserved regions.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, high inflation, and fluctuating exchange rates, small businesses have found it increasingly difficult to stay afloat. Rising costs of fuel and electricity, heavy taxation, and supply chain disruptions have forced many to close or scale back operations. For those that remain, resilience and adaptability are more important than ever. Programmes like the SME Business Clinic aim to give business owners practical ways to adjust, manage their books properly, and find opportunities even in tough conditions.

Participants said they hoped the Bank would make the Business Clinic a regular feature, suggesting follow-up sessions and an online community where entrepreneurs can continue to share ideas, ask questions, and receive expert advice long after the in-person training ends. Some also called for more tailored sessions focusing on digital tools and online sales, given the growing importance of e-commerce for businesses trying to reach customers across Nigeria and even internationally.

Keystone Bank has assured business owners that the initiative is not a one-time event but part of a long-term commitment to SME development. The Bank plans to keep working with local partners, government agencies, and development organizations to expand its support for small businesses through funding, mentoring, and training. It says its vision is to create an enabling environment where SMEs can thrive, create jobs, and drive inclusive growth for the country.

For many of the entrepreneurs who attended, the Business Clinic offered not just knowledge but renewed hope that with the right support, small businesses can weather economic storms and continue to play their role as engines of job creation and innovation.