At least 80 Micro ,Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) exporters in Kwara state have been trained by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on how to access government intervention funds and special loan packages in financial institutions.
Speaking at a one-day training programme for MSMEs operators organized by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Ilorin, the Executive Director of the council, Dr. Ezra Yakusak, said that an increasing supply gap in credit to MSMEs by financial institutions has posed a serious threat to growth and development of the subsector.
Represented by the Trade Promotion Advisor, Ilorin Export Assistance Office, Mr. Akinwunmi James, Dr, Yakusak said that many of the MSMEs operators in the country faced the challenge of writing bankable business plans to attract grants and loans.
According to him the council is desirous of promoting development and financial inclusiveness of MSMEs exporters for inclusive growth.
Dr.Yakusak said that the training was specially packaged to educate
MSMEs on how to get financial supports from government-owned
financial institutions and commercial banks for their start-up,
running expenses and purchase of equipment.
He maintained that the MSMEs has provided the mechanism for driving indigenous industries, creating employment opportunities and helping the development of technology in many countries.
In his paper presentation , one of the facilitators,Collins Nwaosu, said that bankable business plans should be understandable and reliable, adding that the plan should be convincing on repayment and explain the impact of particular business in view.
ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU