COVID-19: Keystone Bank launches online platform to empower SMEs

Keystone Bank has launched an online platform to empower Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) with knowledge to manage and grow their businesses in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs Helen Nwelle, Head of MSMEs, Keystone Bank, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Nwelle said the bank had demonstrated this passion during the COVID-19 crisis by initiating an online platform to empower SMEs with knowledge in managing and growing their businesses.

She said the bank’s Online MSME Academy was aimed at helping SMEs cope with the operational stress of the current pandemic.

The Academy, according to her, will serve as an enabler for business owners to create an active online presence, digitalise their product and services, and find new ways to connect with their customers.

“The bank has always had a culture of helping SMEs grow through the provision of diverse business solutions,” she said.

Nwelle said the bank believes that SMEs are the engines of socio-economic transformation as they offer opportunities for jobs and wealth creation as well as income redistribution within the society.

“The current pandemic and its untold impacts has caused a lot of panic in the business scene all around the world and Nigeria is not left out.

“We are aware that many SMEs are worried about what the future holds for their businesses and how to manage their businesses in order to guarantee business continuity post–COVID-19 crisis.

“This was why we considered it important to proactively create an enabling environment for them to thrive even in the midst of the pandemic,’’ she said.

Nwelle said the initiative would be delivered through a series of webinars, digital marketing training, digital media services and the provision of other value adding business tools to improve business branding, visibility and profitability.