Access Bank Teams Up with Deloitte to Boost Nigerian SMEs
In the face of Nigeria’s unpredictable economy, small and medium-sized businesses often find themselves in a tough spot—struggling to grow, adapt, or even survive. That's where the new SME Business Clinic, launched by Access Bank in partnership with Deloitte, steps in. The program is designed to give real, hands-on help to businesses fighting to stay relevant and profitable in today’s market.
The clinic kicked off in major hubs like Lagos and Abuja, drawing in a crowd of eager entrepreneurs ready to learn how to manage their cash flow, handle regulatory headaches, and actually plan for the future. What’s special about this initiative? It brings over 50 seasoned Deloitte professionals—think auditors, tax pros, legal experts, and financial advisors—directly to the people running these businesses.
Instead of generic group lectures, entrepreneurs get one-on-one sessions that dig into their specific problems. Topics range from untangling tax issues to plotting out expansion plans that won’t sink their finances. And it’s not just for big companies; this clinic covers everyone from micro-enterprises run by a handful of people to SMEs with sights on serious growth.
Hands-On Solutions for Real-World SME Challenges
Rob Giles, Senior Banking Advisor at Access Bank, summed up the drive behind the whole thing: "Our business grows when your business grows," he told participants. Giles pointed out that Access Bank already works with an eye-popping 7.5 million SME customers nationwide. That’s not just a brag—it’s a big responsibility, one the bank says it’s taking seriously with this fresh approach.
Access Bank listened to feedback from thousands of business owners who all said similar things—they need useful advice, easier access to finance, and better ways to break into new markets. So, the SME Business Clinic isn’t just a few workshops; it’s a multi-city, year-round effort designed to deliver all three. The team plans to roll out the clinic in more Nigerian cities, meeting people where they are and zeroing in on problems like shaky financial operations and the never-ending puzzle of growing sustainably.
On top of all the sessions and advice, business owners can expect targeted training on subjects that often get overlooked, like tax structuring and staying compliant with the latest regulations. Legal and financial advice is baked in, giving SMEs a toolkit to handle whatever the market throws at them.
With Nigeria’s SMEs playing such a vital role in the wider economy, Access Bank’s collaboration with Deloitte isn’t just another corporate partnership—it’s a commitment to fueling growth, jobs, and innovation across the country, one small business at a time.
