Stanbic IBTC Bank Renews Support for Female Entrepreneurs

Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has reiterated its commitment to advancing the growth of women-led businesses in Nigeria through renewed initiatives designed to support female entrepreneurs. The bank, in a statement, said the move aligns with its broader financial inclusion drive and its long-standing goal of creating equal opportunities in business.

According to the bank, female entrepreneurs play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s economy but often face barriers such as limited access to finance, mentorship, and networks. Stanbic IBTC noted that these challenges contribute to a significant funding gap that prevents many women-owned businesses from scaling to their full potential.

The financial institution emphasised that its renewed focus would bridge this gap by offering women-tailored financial solutions, training, and mentorship opportunities. It explained that empowering women through access to resources is not just a moral imperative but a strategic step toward national economic growth and job creation.

The statement highlighted that women entrepreneurs constitute a large proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country, yet remain underserved in terms of credit. Stanbic IBTC said its interventions are designed to address this imbalance and provide a pathway for women to expand their operations in a sustainable way.

The bank explained that part of its intervention would be the introduction of financial products with flexible repayment terms that suit the realities of female-led enterprises. It added that knowledge-sharing platforms, capacity development programmes, and access to networks would also form a central part of the initiative.

In its assessment, Stanbic IBTC observed that despite the progress recorded by women in various industries such as agriculture, technology, healthcare, and fashion, structural inequalities continue to stifle their growth. The bank expressed confidence that by removing barriers to credit and linking funding with business training, women-owned enterprises would achieve stronger growth outcomes.

Stanbic IBTC also stressed the importance of mentorship in nurturing female entrepreneurs. It disclosed that its programmes would feature structured mentorship opportunities where experienced business leaders guide emerging entrepreneurs, share insights, and provide support in tackling common challenges. This, it said, would help to significantly boost the survival and success rate of women-owned businesses in the competitive Nigerian market.

The statement added that the bank has been working with relevant stakeholders, including development organisations and women-focused groups, to ensure a wider reach for its initiatives. These partnerships, according to the bank, will help create a steady pipeline of women-owned businesses that can access funding with fewer hurdles while receiving expert guidance along the way.

Stanbic IBTC maintained that its women-focused initiatives are not limited to financing alone but also include access to digital solutions that enable convenience and inclusivity. It pointed out that with the growing adoption of digital banking, female entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, can now access services without the need to visit a branch. This, it said, would help more women build credit histories and secure larger funding in the future.

The bank further linked its renewed commitment to global development priorities, stating that its interventions are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, the bank highlighted its focus on SDG 5, which advocates gender equality, and SDG 8, which promotes decent work and economic growth.

Stanbic IBTC stated that empowering women in business has wider socio-economic benefits beyond individual success stories. According to the bank, supporting female entrepreneurs results in stronger households, thriving communities, and broader economic resilience. It reaffirmed that its long-term strategy would continue to prioritise women’s access to finance, capacity building, and sustainable networks for growth.

Industry experts have often described gender-focused financing as both socially impactful and economically smart. Studies from institutions like the African Development Bank (AfDB) show that women account for about 40 percent of SMEs across Africa but face a financing gap estimated at over $40 billion. By addressing these gaps in Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC said it hopes to catalyse inclusive growth that benefits the entire economy.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the bank’s long-term vision of supporting women-led businesses across all regions of Nigeria. It pledged that future efforts would not only expand the bank’s reach to rural entrepreneurs but also introduce sector-specific solutions in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing—areas where women are increasingly making a mark.

Stanbic IBTC stressed that its renewed drive is not a one-off initiative but a sustained effort that will remain a cornerstone of its corporate strategy. The bank reiterated that when women succeed in business, it generates a ripple effect that uplifts families, builds stronger communities, and drives economic development nationwide.