In Nigeria’s business landscape, women-led enterprises continue to face steep financing challenges, from limited access to loans to the high cost of sustaining their ventures. Recognizing these barriers, Stanbic IBTC Bank has introduced a suite of solutions designed to remove obstacles and give women entrepreneurs a fair chance to scale.
At the center of this initiative is the Blue Blossom Account, a product crafted to ease financial pressures on women-owned businesses. Beyond providing day-to-day banking, the account eliminates current account maintenance fees, offers loans at concessionary rates, and gives access to business advisory clinics—all aimed at creating a supportive ecosystem for female entrepreneurs.
Complementing this are targeted lending products such as SME Lite and SME EZ Cash, which provide quick and flexible financing for working capital, expansion, or investment opportunities. These offerings are structured to be accessible, ensuring that women in business can secure the funding they need without prohibitive terms.
But support extends beyond financial access. Through its SME Collab platform, the bank delivers capacity-building initiatives, masterclasses, and curated events. The flagship Bloom Weekend stands out as a hub for learning, networking, and trade, bringing together thousands of women across industries to share insights, showcase innovations, and strengthen professional networks.
Technology is also part of the equation. From POS terminals to internet banking and SME mobile apps, digital tools are enabling entrepreneurs to manage their operations more efficiently while reaching new customers in an increasingly connected economy.
For Stanbic IBTC Bank, investing in women entrepreneurs is not just a gesture of inclusivity—it is a strategic bet on the future of Nigeria’s economy. By bridging the financing gap and providing long-term support, the bank is helping women transform ideas into thriving businesses and, in turn, fueling broader economic growth.
