Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been urged to embrace digital tools to enhance efficiency and drive long-term growth.
This message was echoed at the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program 2025, held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the bank’s dedicated SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos.
The event, which attracted a significant number of entrepreneurs and stakeholders, marked the official rollout of Fidelity Bank’s initiative to empower 100 growth-focused SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems and comprehensive business support tools—entirely free of charge.
Welcoming participants, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc—represented by Mr. Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer—reaffirmed the bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting small businesses:
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe SMEs are not just the backbone of our economy—they are the architects of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth. Through the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP), we are providing 100 entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.”
Beneficiaries of the program will receive a package that includes: a fully-installed POS desktop system, ERPRev business software, a receipt printer and barcode scanner, inventory data input assistance, training in finance and bookkeeping, branding and onboarding support, six months of post-installation monitoring, and a Fidelity POS terminal with instant settlement, all at no cost.
The three-day event features intensive training sessions, expert-led masterclasses, and networking opportunities aimed at igniting innovation, fostering collaboration, and expanding market access for participating businesses.
Speaking during the launch, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyawaune, CEO of Manmark—Fidelity Bank’s strategic partner—highlighted the significance of the program:
“This digital transformation initiative is a game changer. It replaces manual bookkeeping with a unified system that simplifies accounting, inventory, HR, and profitability tracking. These tools are not handouts—they are instruments for long-term business success.”
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, SMEs account for 96% of businesses in Nigeria, employ over 80% of the workforce, and contribute nearly 50% to the country’s GDP. However, many still rely on manual processes that hinder growth and reduce access to financing.
Fidelity Bank’s latest intervention is, therefore, both timely and strategic—offering SMEs the digital infrastructure and ongoing support necessary to streamline operations, boost transparency, and unlock new opportunities for expansion.
