Despite the resilience, creativity and growing contribution of Nigerian entrepreneurs to the economy, access to finance remains one of the major challenges limiting the ability of many businesses to expand, acquire equipment, employ more people and compete effectively.
For many entrepreneurs, the challenge goes beyond the availability of money. Financial records, business structure, collateral requirements, financial literacy, investment readiness and limited awareness of available financing opportunities can determine whether a business successfully accesses funding.
A promising business may have strong products and a ready market but still struggle to secure financing when its financial records are incomplete, its business model is poorly documented or its funding proposal does not clearly demonstrate how the capital will generate sustainable growth.
This gap between entrepreneurs and financial institutions calls for stronger engagement, better financial education and more innovative financing models that recognise the realities of small and medium-sized enterprises. Entrepreneurs, banks, investors, fintech companies, government agencies and development partners all have important roles to play in building a more inclusive enterprise-financing ecosystem.
What Needs to Change?
Businesses need to become more finance-ready by maintaining proper financial records, strengthening their business structures, understanding financing requirements and developing credible growth plans. At the same time, financial institutions and other capital providers need to continue developing financing solutions that are accessible, transparent and better suited to the realities of growing enterprises.
This is why the conversation around finance must move beyond simply asking “Where is the money?” to asking “Are businesses prepared to access, deploy and manage capital successfully?”
The FME 2026 Conversation
As part of its Road to FME 2026 series, the Institute of Entrepreneurship & Apprenticeship Management & Administration (IEAMA) is bringing this critical conversation to the forefront through Finance Meet Entrepreneur (FME) 2026.
FME 2026 will bring entrepreneurs, financial institutions, investors, fintechs, government agencies, development partners and other key stakeholders together to explore practical pathways for financing stronger and more resilient enterprises.
Theme: “Financing the Future: Building Resilient Enterprises for Sustainable Economic Growth.”
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Time: 9:00 AM Prompt
Venue: LCCI, Ikeja, Lagos