NASME Launches LG MSME Devt Clusters in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) Anambra State has launched the Anambra Local Government SME Development Clusters.

Speaking during the general meeting of the association in Awka, State Chairman of NASME, Mr. Chinemerem Oguegbe said the launch is targeted at building capacity of business owners across the rural areas to ensure sustainable businesses towards contributing to the growth and development of the state and Nigeria at large.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Industry (BOI) presented the N75billion SME Loan to the members of NASME in the State.

BOI Manager in Anambra State, Mr Chibuzor Oji, who made the disclosure, urged members to apply for the loan as BOI is partnering with NASME to ensure that Business Owners in the State take advantage of the loan to build and grow their businesses. He said members can access up to N5million.

Oguegbe further told participants that the Local Government Development Clusters would also help in bringing information and opportunities that would aid the growth of Micro Small and Meduim Enterprises (MSMEs) within Rural Communities in the 21 Council Areas in the State.

“Given the critical position of MSMEs in the growth and development of our state, we see this as the time to focus more in building the capacity of business owners across the 21LGA of the state.

“It will also provide information that will aid them access funding opportunities and learn business principles that will help them scale their businesses.

“The poultry farmer in the village should have the capacity to grow a big farm that don’t just satisfy his family needs but transform into a business that would serve the community and provide jobs.

“The small retail cosmetics seller should be taught on how to structure his business to be able to access funds for growth. This is what we are targeting, to build the capacity of MSMEs in Rural areas to build sustainable businesses.”