The Kwara State Ease of Doing Business Council (EODBC) has hosted a one-day workshop aimed at equipping entrepreneurs and investors with the skills to access credit facilities for strengthening their businesses.

The event, themed "Access to Credit for Investors in Kwara State," drew participation from government officials, industry leaders, financial institutions, artisans, marketers' associations, and financial experts.

Prominent speakers included Dr Ayinde Mosadi from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Kwara State Coordinating Unit; Oluremi Agboola and Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo of First City Monument Bank (FCMB); and Olukayode Oyebangbose, Head of Credit Risk Management at Sterling Bank.

The workshop sought to address the challenges of securing business credit, providing attendees with valuable insights into available financing opportunities and strategies to maximise their benefits.

The state commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru said they organised the workshop to create access to credit facilities for entrepreneurs with a view to growing, innovating, and competing effectively in their businesses.

She said the government has been improving the ease of doing business in the state by streamlining processes, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and prioritising access to credit towards building a steady business ecosystem.

“Today's workshop focuses on one of the most critical aspects of business success: access to credit. For businesses to grow, innovate, and compete effectively, access to affordable and timely financing is indispensable, hence the bringing together of experts, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss and explore key areas,” she said.

She commended the state government and entire members of the Council for the tireless efforts and dedication to creating an enabling environment where businesses can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the state's development.

In his presentation, Dr Mosadi, said the ease of doing business policy of the state government has the capacity to promote the size of products being exported from the state.

Financial experts Agboola, Jacob-Ogogo and Oyebangbose spoke on various opportunities their banks offer entrepreneurs to develop businesses and ensure financial inclusion.