In a strategic move aimed to empower small businesses operate professionally, Opportunity Bank Uganda Limited, in partnership with the Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises (FSME), have trained 450 small business owners in Greater Mukono with business management skills.
According to officials ,the training session equipped Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with modern business management skills, linking them to affordable financing options.
The training targeted traders, youth entrepreneurs, agro-processors, ICT service providers, educators, and green companies tackled amixture of business development services and access to affordable financial products.
The training is part of the MSME Accelerator Program, a one-year initiative aimed at accelerating the growth and impact of 2,820 MSMEs in various sectors, including Agribusiness, Manufacturing, ICT, Building and Construction, and the Green Economy. The program is implemented in partnership with Opportunity Bank Uganda Limited and FSME, with support from Argidius Foundation and Opportunity International.
Johnson Rukara, Programs and Business Development Manager at Opportunity Bank, emphasized the importance of understanding the challenges faced by MSMEs. “From the interactive session with MSMEs, we understand their challenges and work together to build their capacity to move from one step to greater heights,” he said.
Ronald Baganda, owner of Treasure Cosmetics Products, expressed gratitude for the training, saying, “I have learnt the many challenges that constrained me.The training has equipped me with these skills and access to affordable finance, I will be able to effectively manage and grow my enterprise.”
The Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises – Uganda (FSME) is a non-profit membership association that represents and supports Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda. It was established to advocate for a conducive business environment for SMEs, providing them with services such as networking opportunities, business advisory, and training. FSME is independent from government and other special interest groups, focusing solely on the needs of SME owners