NCBA AND STRATHMORE BUSINESS SCHOOL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME  BEARS FRUITS 

Eighteen entrepreneurs graduate from innovative  programme that  seeks to boost SMEs’ competitiveness and ensure their sustainability 

NCBA, in collaboration with Strathmore University Business School (SBS), has announced the graduation of eighteen  entrepreneurs from the second cohort of the NCBA-SBS enterprise development programme. The  sixteen  week programme cuts across most sectors of the economy. It  is designed to equip  small and medium  enterprises ( SMEs) with the tools and skills to identify and seize business opportunities, foster innovation and unlock their business potential. It also nurtures socially responsible and viable businesses, thereby fostering successful business entrepreneurship in the region.

Speaking during the graduation, Tirus Mwithiga, NCBA Group Director, Retail Banking, said: “As we celebrate the graduation of the second cohort from the NCBA-SBS enterprise development programme, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering SMEs.”  He added : “At NCBA, we believe in fostering growth and resilience within the business community, aligning with our mission as a trusted financial partner. These graduates exemplify the transformative impact of tailored support, inspiring us to continue championing entrepreneurial success.”

NCBA is also the sponsor of the Strathmore Business School’s  third  annual family business day. The event will be attended by Strathmore alumni, founders, successive-generation family members, industry experts, scholars  and future family business leaders to exchange industry best practices, network, gain practical skills  and learn from the best in the industry.

Programmes

Dr. Caesar Mwangi, Executive Dean at Strathmore University Business School, underscored the collaborative power of the two institutions’ partnership and its impact on the SME community.  “We are proud of the fruitful collaboration between Strathmore Business School and NCBA in delivering the enterprise development programme (EDP) as well as the owner manager programme (OMP). As we celebrate the graduation of the second cohort of the EDP, we witness the tangible impact on the SME community, fostering growth and innovation. Our joint efforts extend beyond education to events like the  third  annual family business day, further empowering businesses to thrive and succeed.”

The bank is targeting at least  twenty five  SME businesses for the third  cohort of the NCBA – SBS enterprise development programme. The  enrolment  for the next programme will open  on the 21^st of May 2024.  To be eligible for the programme, one must be  an NCBA customer with an active business account that has been operational for at least  six  months. Secondly, the entrepreneur should have  a business that has been operating for two to three  years, employs more than  three  people, and has an annual turnover of Kshs.  3 million or more. Thirdly, he or she should be  the primary decision maker in the business and the majority shareholder.

Capacity building

Alongside the programme, NCBA Bank and Strathmore University also collaborate to develop and implement various capacity building initiatives to empower SMEs and  micro, small and  medium  enterprises  ( MSMEs)  business growth under the Strathmore Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Centre. The initiatives include :  international business trips, networking/thought leadership forums, business training boots camps, conferences  and trade expos.