By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
Talks by representatives of Sterling Bank in collaboration with Cross River Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CR-MEDA), on the collaborative One Billion Naira matching fund initiative, has reached advanced stage.
The fund, facilitated by the Cross River government and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), is aimed at providing small business owners across the state to get access to zero-digit interest loans, thereby fostering significant economic growth.
Director General of CR- MEDA, Great Ogban, at the event which took place in Calabar, reiterated the state’s unwavering commitment to empowering small businesses through comprehensive support as well as serene and conducive operating environment.
According to Ogban, “MSME development is the cornerstone of a vibrant and prosperous society,” hence, “we are poised to providing the necessary resources and infrastructure for optimum results.”
On his part, the Sterling Bank Business Executive, Institutional Banking, South-South, Anthony Ikpor, expressed satisfaction on MEDA’s proactive approach to entrepreneur development.
Applauding the ongoing Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, a development organized in partnership with the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC), Ikpor reasoned that the gesture would provide resource persons with adequate skills and technical knowhow on the latest global practices in business development.
His words: “This commitment to training and mentorship is crucial for the sustainable growth of small businesses.”
On the synergy between CR-MEDA and Sterling Bank, Ikpor said, “it reflects a shared vision to drive economic empowerment while creating lasting opportunities for entrepreneurs across the state.”
