Fidelity Bank launches SME scheme in Imo to empower women, youths

…offers support package for 100 growth-ready entrepreneurs

Fidelity Bank PLC has launched the 2025 edition of SME Empowerment Programme in Owerri, the Imo State Capital, where it reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Small and Medium-scale Enterprises through innovation, training and digital tools.

Stanley Amuchie, the Chief Operations and Information Officer, who spoke on behalf of Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank PLC during the opening ceremony of the three-day empowerment summit, describing it as a bold initiative aimed at unlocking the immense potentials of Nigerian SMEs in a rapidly-evolving digital economy.

Amuchie said, “SMEs are more than just contributors to GDP, they are the lifeblood of innovation, the foundation of inclusive growth, and the key to national resilience. “This summit is a continuation of our journey with you. It’s our way of saying, we see you. We believe in you. And we are here to help you grow”.

Amuchie noted that the support was not just about access to devices, but building capacity, driving transformation and ensuring long-term sustainability in a competitive marketplace. And that Fidelity Bank’s approach is data-driven and impact-oriented, this is as he shared compelling statistics that underscore the value of digital transformation.

According to him, the statistics include; 45% of small businesses saw better efficiency after embracing digital tools, digital-first SMEs are 2.5 times more likely to witness revenue growth, digitally transformed businesses grow revenue four times faster, SMEs on digital platforms are three times more likely to access international markets, “these are not just numbers, they are signals of the future. And the future is digital.

And the goal, according to Fidelity Bank, is to ignite innovation, spark partnerships, and expand market reach for SMEs.

Amuchie informed about the Fidelity Bank’s recognition as Nigeria’s Best Bank for SMEs by Euromoney and the 2024 Export Financing Bank of the Year by BusinessDay.

He also spotlighted the Fidelity tailored mentorship programmes for female entrepreneurs and the ongoing masterclasses designed to strengthen SME capacity across various sectors.

The highlight of the programme was Fidelity Bank’s comprehensive support package for 100 growth-ready entrepreneurs. Each selected SME would receive a wide range of digital and financial tools at zero cost.

Including fully-installed desktop POS systems, ERPRev business management software, barcode scanners, receipt printers, and inventory support, hands-on bookkeeping training, monitoring, evaluation, and branding tools, six months of post-installation technical support, free Fidelity POS with instant settlement capability.

With this ambitious rollout, he said, the Fidelity Bank had once again positioned itself as a trailblazer in SME development, setting a new standard for inclusive banking and economic empowerment in Nigeria.