Keystone Bank and FBRA equip 100 green SMEs with the skills to turn waste into wealth

Keystone Bank Limited has partnered with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), to equip 100 green SMEs with practical skills and knowledge to transform waste materials into commercially viable products, while strengthening their ability to build sustainable and profitable businesses.

In the program titled: “Keystone-FBRA Green SME Master Class”, facilitators provided participants with hands-on training on rubber and food and beverage packaging recycling, as well as sessions covering business management, financial preparedness, taxation and business growth.

A statement from Keystone Bank on Monday said the initiative is part of the bank’s commitment to deepen its presence in the green economy and support the development of sustainable businesses across Nigeria.

The bank said its Eco Cycle product further strengthens its green finance proposition by providing businesses operating within the circular economy with tailored financial solutions to support business growth while promoting environmental sustainability.

“The Master Class is aligned with our Waste-to-Wealth sustainability approach, which seeks to enable entrepreneurs to transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities, while promoting innovation, job creation and sustainable business practices.

“Participants were also introduced to the Bank’s financial solutions, including Eco Cycle Product, MSME Time Loan, MSME Asset Finance and Sustainable Energy Finance, designed to provide tailored financing and support for businesses at different stages of their growth,” the lender said.

Speaking at the programme, Martins Ofiegbe, Unit Head, SME Banking, Retail & Digital Banking, Keystone Bank, who moderated the sessions on “Financial Discipline and Revenue Growth Strategies” and “Preparing Corporate Documentation and Positioning Companies for Financing”, provided participants with practical insights into financial management, proper corporate documentation and availability of financing.

Akinwunmi Karunwi, Department Head, Regulatory Reporting & Tax Management, Keystone Bank, also spoke to attendees on “Understanding the New Tax Regime: What SMEs Need to Know,” providing an overview of key tax considerations and compliance requirements relevant to small and medium-sized businesses.

Other stakeholders who participated in the initiative include the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Zannytecture Recycling Company Limited.