NGO To Empower SMEs, Women-led Businesses In 32 States

Despite the unfavourable business climate that has forced SMEs into a large swoop, Grooming Splash, a non-profit organisation, has promised to empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and women-led businesses in 32 States of the federation.

The non-profit firm also stressed the need to support women in businesses, adding that this had led to the establishment of over 600 branches spanning across the 32 states for the past 13 years to provide scholarships, grants for women-led businesses to improve their enterprise and bolster the economic strength of SMEs in the country.

The firm also added that the organisation will continue to provide digital driven solutions for businesses within its landscape while positing that this would scale up public sector products.

The 13th edition of Grooming Splash annual event witnessed the emergence of 386 winners spanning across 32 states is a celebration of our clients’ loyalty and unwavering support for the brand as winners from each of four zones across six programme areas received a total of 386 prizes.

These necessitated the rollout of 24 commercial tricycles, 58 large double-door refrigerators, 82 small double-door refrigerators, 58 5kVA generators, and 106 3kVA generators to clients and winners of the 2024 edition. Each programme area will benefit from 24 commercial tricycles and a share of the other prizes.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 13th edition of Grooming Splash in Lagos, the chief executive officer(CEO), Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, emphasised the broad reach, noting that the ecosystem of grooming splash has grown over the last 13 years to providing array of grants, individual loans, SMEs loans, establishment of grooming centres and lending platforms for SMEs and women-led businesses to improve business climate for young indigenous entrepreneurs in the country.

He said, this year’s edition leveraged technology to ensure inclusivity and transparency, further showcasing its commitment to innovation.

“We are committed to support people at the bottom of the pyramid and we started from our small branch to reach out to a single individual. We are having challenges with a few zones affected by insecurity and we hope the government will address the issues concerning insecurity to enable small businesses to have access to financial services and inclusion along our pyramid,” he stressed.

Also speaking, executive director, Programmes, Alexander Enyinnah, highlighted that the initiative was designed to strengthen its bond with clients and enhance brand loyalty. Over the years, our projects have required substantial investments, and we are thankful for the consistent support despite economic challenges, Enyinnah stressed.

On her part, a fellow and one of the members of Grooming Governing Council, Grooming Centre, Ier Jonathan said, “we are building sustainability for SMEs through our impacts to improve livelihoods and expand our touch points for our clients to access micro credits, grants and scholarships.”

One of the winners, Abosede Ojigudu, shared her appreciation, stating that, “Grooming has continually impacted our businesses positively and provided financial assistance. May God bless them, and may the company continue to progress and grow. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our clients for their loyalty, we remain committed to ensuring the empowerment of our customers.”