Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc,
For nearly four decades, Fidelity Bank has played a pivotal role in empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria. The institution’s unwavering commitment to fostering business growth has evolved beyond financial assistance into a holistic ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurs with strategic support.
The latest milestone in this journey is the Fidelity SME Hub, a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide a thriving environment for SMEs and creatives. This initiative marks a significant evolution in the bank’s approach, transitioning from traditional banking to hands-on business development.
Reflecting on the past, Fidelity Bank has continually identified the unique challenges faced by Nigerian SMEs—limited access to funding, inadequate training, and lack of exposure to global best practices. Over the years, the bank has launched several non-financial initiatives, including capacity-building workshops, mentorship programs, and financial literacy campaigns. However, the launch of the SME Hub signals a bold step towards institutionalizing structured support for entrepreneurs.
The Vision Comes to Life
Speaking on the importance of this initiative, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized that the SME Hub is more than just a workspace—it is a platform for innovation, collaboration, and business transformation.
“For decades, we have supported SMEs through financing and advisory services, but we realized that entrepreneurs need more than just funds. The Fidelity SME Hub is designed to provide capacity-building opportunities, networking, and industry expertise. This is part of our broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s SME ecosystem and contribute to economic growth,” she noted.
Located in the heart of Lagos, the SME Hub is equipped with world-class facilities, including training halls, meeting rooms, networking spaces, podcast studios, and a Creativerse for content creators in music, photography, and digital media. These features are tailored to provide SMEs with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive business landscape.
Shaping the Future with Knowledge and Innovation
A standout feature of the SME Hub is its dedicated training programs covering key areas such as Financial Management & Investment Readiness, Digital Transformation, Branding, and Business Growth Strategies. Additionally, a specialized Creative Academy will offer courses in Music Production, Website Development, Mobile Videography, and Disc Jockeying, positioning creatives to maximize their potential.
Beyond individual business growth, the Fidelity SME Hub is expected to bolster Nigeria’s non-oil exports. By empowering entrepreneurs in digital media, entertainment, and creative arts—sectors contributing 2.3% to the country’s GDP—the initiative aligns with the government’s economic diversification agenda.
A Legacy of Excellence
Fidelity Bank’s consistency in SME empowerment has earned it multiple recognitions, including the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria (Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023) and Export Finance Bank of the Year (BAFI Awards 2023). This latest initiative reinforces its position as a forward-thinking institution committed to building a sustainable business environment for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
As Fidelity Bank embarks on this transformative journey, the SME Hub stands as a testament to its legacy of innovation and unwavering support for businesses. The bank has not only reflected on past successes but has also taken a bold step into the future—where SMEs and creatives have the right foundation to thrive, innovate, and redefine Nigeria’s economic landscape.
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