Wider Perspectives, a Port Harcourt-based management company based that focuses on building the capacity of small and medium scale businesses (SMEs), has launched fresh efforts to turn around the fortunes of small investors through new strategies, linkages and funding.
The company said that it is working with the Bank of Industry (BoI), GroFin, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to actualise this objective in the lower arm of the economy, adding that it is passionate about SME development and hoped the different events lined up will provide the catalytic process that would grow SMEs and ensure sustained economic growth.
As part of its efforts to encourage SME development, the company says it is facilitates forums annually across three states in the country including Abia and Akwa Ibom, using themes such as ‘Sustaining SMEs through Linkages and Funding’.
According to the deputy managing director, Edughom Hanson, “Sustaining SMEs is a continuous process if their catalytic role of driving economic growth can work effectively. This is why there is the need to continuously support their growth through various interventions including funding, market access/linkage and networking fora for interaction with relevant development organizations and prospective partners.”
Hanson said Wider Perspectives Limited was passionate about SME development and has continued to champion support for SMEs including facilitating partnerships that enhance SME development and growth.
She said: “The second edition of the Business Linkages Forum in partnership with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (PHCCIMA) in Port Harcourt.
“The forum is targeted at linking SMEs to large buyers ultimately to enhance the growth of the SMEs and promote synergy among businesses in the region. The large buyers, among others, will be able to partner with these SMEs for direct supply and personalized services maximizing cost and value.
“Expected participants at the forum include SMEs, SME Groups/Associations, Research Institutes and Large Buyers operating in various sectors including Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs), Nigeria Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (Rivers State), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Nigeria Export Promotion Commission (NEPC), Agro-Allied Co-operatives, Financial Institutions, International Development Organizations and other Investors in the SME development space.”
The company said the ones for Abia and Akwa Ibom states would hold on other dates in October, 2017. “Our partners are European Union (EU), Nigerian Export–Import Bank (NEXIM), Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Small Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bank of Industry (BoI), Relevant SME Associations including Association of Small Scale Industrialists (ASII), National Association of Small Scale Industrialist (NASSI), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) as well as various Chamber of Commerce in the South East and South-South.”
Ignatius Chukwu
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
