Access Bank Plc has partnered with global consulting firm Deloitte to launch a national SME Business Clinic, aimed at supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The clinic, which recently kicked off in Lagos and Abuja, is set to run across major cities throughout the year with the theme: “Building a Resilient, Profitable and Future-Ready Business in Nigeria.”
This initiative will provide practical advisory services and financing solutions tailored to the unique challenges of Nigerian SMEs, from nano-enterprises to those at the growth stage. Over 50 professionals from Deloitte—including tax experts, auditors, financial advisors, and legal consultants—will work directly with business owners to address issues such as regulatory compliance, financial planning, and business expansion strategies.
Senior Banking Advisor at Access Bank, Rob Giles, said the bank currently serves over 7.5 million SME customers nationwide. He described the SME Business Clinic as part of Access Bank’s broader effort to equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to survive and thrive in Nigeria’s unpredictable economy.
“That is a privilege, but also a massive responsibility,” Giles said. “At Access Bank, we only win if you win. Our business grows when your business grows. What you’ve told us is that you need three things: access to information and advice, access to markets, and access to finance. That’s what we’re here to provide.”
Giles stressed that unlike typical business seminars, this clinic will offer hands-on support. “This is not like visiting a doctor,” he said. “There are over 50 experts, including our partners at Deloitte, waiting to help you build a thriving, sustainable business.”
Toluwalogo Odutayo, a Partner at Deloitte’s Tax and Regulatory Services, explained that the firm’s partnership with Access Bank is in line with its goal of helping unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s SME sector. She noted that SMEs contribute over 51% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), yet many still struggle due to inefficiencies in structure and operations.
“Last year alone, SMEs contributed over 51% to Nigeria’s GDP—a remarkable figure. But we know the potential is even greater,” Odutayo said. “Partnering with Access Bank on this initiative is significant because SMEs are a critical focus for us.”
She also emphasised the need for business owners to understand compliance, tax laws, and internal controls, pointing out that many small businesses mismanage funds due to poor structural setup. “This clinic is designed to help you get it right, from the inside out,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head of SME Banking at Access Bank, said the bank is committed to supporting entrepreneurs, including those who do not meet standard lending requirements. According to him, Access Bank offers flexible financing tools that align with each business’s growth journey and long-term goals.
Olubitan stated that the bank aims to support businesses from early stages all the way to becoming scalable, established enterprises.
In a related development, Access Bank recently secured a $280 million deal with the United States International Development Finance Corporation. The funding is expected to enhance Access Bank’s capacity to finance more SMEs across Nigeria.
The SME Business Clinic underscores Access Bank’s shift from theoretical support to practical engagement, combining advisory services with access to finance and markets—three elements that most small businesses in Nigeria struggle to access.
