Bank targets SMEs with a new programme

From right to left: Regional Manager Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs Maryanne Ochola, Regional Head Total Impact Capital Irene Gathika, Longitude Group CEO Michael Monari and Credit Bank Limited CEO Betty Korir during the launch at Intercontinental Hotel Nairobi. [Courtesy]

Credit Bank is seeking to rope in more local entrepreneurs with the relaunch of its flagship capital support forum, Entrepreneurship Hub.

Entrepreneurship Hub (E-Hub), gives businesses access to management learning modules, articles from investment and financial experts and expert engagement.

In a fanfare hosted on Wednesday in Nairobi, the lender said the revamped E-hub club seeks to foster and grow its Small Medium Enterprise base.

The Tier III bank currently has over 100 entrepreneurs enrolled in the programme that provides financial and mentorship solutions to them.

While beneficiaries have enjoyed networking and personalised coaching session since its launch in 2016, the new cohort will have more integrated programmes such as eHub Accelerator.

“This programme is designed to remove growth barriers by providing tools to identify gaps and growth areas in the entrepreneur’s business,” the bank said, adding that it will enable the entrepreneur scale up their business.

Head of Banking Business at Credit Bank Ms Pamela Mutembei, said having such systems and processes in place ensures businesses are investor ready and it set itself on a controlled growth trajectory.

“Human resources, for example, are a vital part of running a business. This includes sourcing for talent, having the right management in place and the right leadership skills to steer the business forward,” she said.

Businesses enrolled to the entrepreneurship network will get an opportunity to showcase their wares during an annual event organised by eHub Exposé.