As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s private sector, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) is set to commence the next phase of its Business Empowerment, Sustainability, and Training (BEST) Masterclass. Starting Wednesday, March 12, 2026, the initiative moves into a concentrated 10-day tour across five key Southwest and North-Central states: Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Osun, and Ondo.
The program, which has already successfully trained over 44,000 entrepreneurs since its 2018 inception, serves as a high-impact intervention for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling with market volatility and operational scaling.
1. Regional Schedule: March 2026 Tour
The masterclass is designed as a physical, city-by-city series to allow for direct engagement with local business ecosystems.
2. Core Curriculum and Training Pillars
Facilitated by a mix of FCMB’s internal SME Advisory Unit and seasoned external industry leaders, the workshops focus on five critical “competency gaps” identified in the Nigerian SME sector:
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Financial Literacy: Mastering cash flow management and credit readiness for institutional loans.
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Digital Marketing: Leveraging social commerce and SEO to bypass traditional physical barriers to entry.
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Operational Optimization: Reducing overhead and waste through leaner business models.
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Sustainable Practices: Building resilience against macroeconomic shocks and energy poverty.
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Strategic Planning: Transitioning from “survival mode” to long-term commercial scalability.
3. Strategic Leadership Perspectives
The bank’s leadership views these masterclasses as more than just CSR; they are an investment in the bank’s future credit-worthy customer base.
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Yemisi Edun (MD/CEO): Emphasized that closing entrepreneurial gaps is vital for “long-term economic health,” noting that an empowered private sector is the only sustainable engine for national progress.
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George Ogbonnaya (Divisional Head, Business Banking): Described the BEST program as a “strategic intervention” intended to deliver tailored financial solutions to entrepreneurs in the five participating states.
4. Beyond the Training: Added Value
Participants in the March 2026 cycle are expected to receive several immediate benefits beyond the classroom:
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Networking & Mentorship: Direct access to “accomplished business leaders” for post-training guidance.
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Formalization Support: Previous phases have included facilitated Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration to help informal businesses transition into the formal economy.
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Access to Capital: High-performing participants are often fast-tracked for FCMB’s specialized SME loan products, including the Quickloans platform.
