. As Over 1000 Participants Attend
By Onyinyechi Amakaulo
In a bid to promote Small Medium Enterprise,(SMEs) in Imo state, through the state government, the Director General of Imo State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr Jude Nzeako, has organized a day business seminar on the theme; “Access To Finance and Transition To Digital Economy”
The seminar was held at Ahiajoku Convention Center, New Owerri, Imo State.
Speaking in his opening remark during the business Seminar, Dr Nzeako said that the aim of the Program, was to train business owners and entrepreneurs on the need to enhance their potentials by borrowing from Banks in other to expand their business.
He also noted that the seminar is targeted at empowering the SMEs in Imo state by helping them identify sources of finance for their business expansion.
“This seminar is in line with the vision of the digital economy by preparing and equipping the business community of Imo state with the best practices in transition to the digital economy”.
He added that the seminar is an innovation that will help in providing access to digital economy in the state.
In his contribution, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Professor Kenneth Amaeshi thanked the overwhelmed participants who turned out en mass to embrace digital economy in the state.
He further said that the seminar is set to reduce hardship and elevate SMEs to be independent business owners in the state, to be able to train others who may come in contact with them after the seminar.
Others who spoke during the seminar, include Mrs Nkechi From (CBN) NIRSAL ,Access Bank and Finca Bank representatives in their separate speeches said that their banks are welling to give loans to those who merited they requirements according to the banks standard, adding that SMEs are very important in every economy of any society or Nation.
They further noted that SMEs are encouraged to get loans from Banks in other for them to grow, but frown at those who always shy away when it is time to return loans given to them by banks.
They used the opportunity to advise people to always comply with banks in order not to be hindrance to others who may have the need to get loans from banks.
Highpoint of the seminar was Unveiling of the Imo State Entrepreneur Magazine by the Director General of ISIPA, Dr Jude Nzeako and Award Presentation to some of the award winning entrepreneurs in the state.
