Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, MSMEs, unveiling initiatives aimed at helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses, strengthen distribution networks and access new market opportunities.
The bank made the commitment during its SME Quarterly Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where business owners, entrepreneurs and industry experts gathered to discuss strategies for sustainable growth.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, South, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo, said Fidelity Bank is focused on providing support that goes beyond traditional financing, positioning itself as a growth partner for small businesses.
According to her, the bank’s objective is to help Nigerian enterprises become more competitive, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
“Our objective is clear: to help Nigerian enterprises grow, become more competitive and create sustainable value in their communities and the wider economy. We want to be more than a provider of funds; we want to be your trusted partner in growth,” she said.
The forum, themed “Scaling Trade and Distribution of Businesses for Sustainable Growth,” focused on practical solutions for overcoming challenges facing small businesses, particularly in trade and distribution.
Shodipo described Port Harcourt as a strategic commercial hub with strong influence across sectors such as trade, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, marine services and energy, noting that businesses in the region play a critical role in driving economic activity.
She stressed that trade and distribution businesses remain essential to Nigeria’s economy because they connect producers with consumers, support supply chains, create employment opportunities and sustain livelihoods.
To support business expansion, Fidelity Bank highlighted several programmes designed to help SMEs access international markets and improve operational capacity. These include the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC), which links businesses to opportunities in markets such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
The bank also pointed to its partnerships with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Lagos Business School through the Export Management Programme, as well as the Fidelity SME Hub, which provides advisory and business support services.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, the bank’s Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, said the forum was created to provide entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, business insights and networking opportunities.
She described SMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and said the bank remains committed to equipping business owners with the tools and connections needed to build resilient and scalable enterprises.
Participants at the forum welcomed the initiative, saying it addressed real-world business challenges and provided actionable solutions.
One of the participants, Mr. Andy Macozi, described the programme as timely and beneficial, noting that many entrepreneurs would gain from similar knowledge-sharing sessions.
Another participant, Chief Uche Aham, an oil and marine services entrepreneur, said the discussions were practical and insightful, adding that the platform offered valuable opportunities for business owners to learn and exchange ideas.
The SME Quarterly Business Forum forms part of Fidelity Bank’s broader efforts to empower entrepreneurs, encourage innovation and contribute to sustainable economic growth by helping small businesses overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities.
