By Ayomide Otitoju
FirstBank has announced that it will host the next edition of its SMEConnect Webinar on June 25, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with access to finance and business growth opportunities.
In a statement, the bank said the quarterly virtual event is designed to provide entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, tools, and resources needed to compete and scale in an evolving business environment.
The upcoming edition, themed “Funding Your Growth: How SMEs Can Access Finance and Scale Faster,” will focus on helping SMEs secure funding, leverage digital solutions, and address operational challenges. The webinar will feature a keynote address by former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who is also the Convener of DashMe Foundation and NIDACITY.
The event will also include a panel discussion with key industry stakeholders, including Executive Director, MSME, Bank of Industry, Oluwatoyin Edu; Head, Credit Analysis and Processing, FirstBank, Afoluwake Dahunsi; and Head, SME Banking, FirstBank, Helen Willie.
Speaking ahead of the webinar, the Group Executive, e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, Chuma Ezirim, said the initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between business ambition and access to funding.
According to him, access to capital remains one of the biggest obstacles facing SMEs, adding that the webinar will provide entrepreneurs with practical guidance on becoming bankable and connecting with the right tools and partners to accelerate business growth.
Interested participants can register for the webinar through the bank’s designated online registration platform.
FirstBank said it remains committed to driving economic growth and empowering entrepreneurs through initiatives that enhance business capacity and promote financial inclusion. The SMEConnect webinar series, the bank noted, reflects its belief that informed and well-equipped businesses are better positioned to thrive in dynamic markets.
