Keystone Bank, FBRA equip 100 Green SMEs with skills to turn waste into wealth

Keystone Bank Limited has partnered with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), to equip 100 Green SMEs with practical skills and knowledge to transform waste materials into commercially viable products, while strengthening their capacity to build sustainable and profitable businesses.

At the programme tagged: “Keystone-FBRA Green SME Master Class”, facilitators provided participants with hands-on training in the upcycling of rubber and food and beverage packaging, alongside sessions covering business management, financial preparedness, taxation and business growth.

A statement by Keystone Bank on Monday said the initiative forms part of the bank’s commitment to deepening its presence in the green economy and supporting sustainable enterprise development across Nigeria.

The bank said its Eco Cycle Product further strengthens its green finance proposition by providing businesses operating within the circular economy with tailored financial solutions to support enterprise growth while advancing environmental sustainability.

“The Master Class aligns with our Waste-to-Wealth sustainability approach, which seeks to empower entrepreneurs to transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities while fostering innovation, job creation and sustainable business practices.

“The participants were also introduced to the Bank’s financial solutions, including the Eco Cycle Product, MSME Time Loan, MSME Asset Finance and Sustainable Energy Finance, designed to provide tailored funding and support for businesses at different stages of their growth,” the lender said.

Speaking at the programme, Martins Ofiegbe, Unit Head, SME Banking, Retail & Digital Banking, Keystone Bank, who facilitated sessions on “Financial Discipline and Revenue Growth Strategies” and “Preparing Business Documentation and Positioning Businesses for Funding”, provided participants with practical insights into financial management, proper business documentation and funding readiness.

Akinwunmi Karunwi, Department Head, Regulatory Reporting & Tax Management, Keystone Bank, also addressed participants on “Understanding the New Tax Regime: What SMEs Must Know”, providing an overview of key tax considerations and compliance requirements relevant to small and medium-sized businesses.

Other stakeholders who participated in the initiative include the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and Zannytecture Recycling Company Limited.