The Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has held its maiden annual summit and conference with a call on entrepreneurs to leverage technology for business growth and sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the state Chairman of NASME, Mrs. Judith Nwachukwu, described the summit as the first of its kind in Delta State, organized by the Business Membership Organization, under the theme: “Leveraging technology for business growth.”
Nwachukwu said that since its official inauguration less than a year ago, NASME in Delta State has recorded remarkable growth—from just two sessions at inception to a membership strength of about 1,000 entrepreneurs spread across the 25 local government areas of the state.
She explained that the association has appointed local government coordinators who are mobilizing and enlightening business owners on the benefits of belonging to NASME, stressing that membership provides access to knowledge, funding, networking opportunities, and leadership development.
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She added that NASME in the state is also in partnership with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, which has been supporting small businesses through funding initiatives categorized into nano, micro, small, and corporate enterprises.
According to her, nano businesses such as market women and petty traders receive ₦200,000 each, while micro enterprises registered under ₦5,000 are eligible for ₦3 million.
Those registered under ₦25,000 can access ₦7 million, and enterprises registered under ₦150,000 can obtain up to ₦20 million in financial support.
Nwachukwu emphasized that beneficiaries do not need personal connections to access the funds, lamenting that many entrepreneurs remain unaware of such opportunities.
She revealed that the association has helped over 100 business owners to register and structure their operations, teaching them record keeping, financial management, customer service, and networking.
“Many of our entrepreneurs were used to just buying and selling without proper records,” she said.
“We are changing that narrative by helping them understand how to track sales, manage accounts, and prepare documentation required by funding agencies like BOI.”
She urged business owners to embrace technology to expand their reach and visibility.
“Entrepreneurs must use their phones, emails, and social media to promote their products. The world has gone digital; we cannot remain in the old ways of one-on-one marketing,” she said.
She appealed to the Delta State government for financial and logistical support, explaining that all the association’s achievements so far have been self-sponsored by members and a few corporate partners.
Also speaking, the Chief Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Chief Ighoyota Amori, commended Mrs. Nwachukwu and the organizers for their initiative and assured them of the government’s continued partnership.
He said the theme of the summit aligns perfectly with the agenda of the state government, adding that in a world of constant change, technology remains the backbone of modern business operations.
Amori urged participants to take advantage of emerging technologies to build sustainable enterprises, noting that the state government is committed to youth empowerment through technology and innovation.
The guest speaker, Nkem Imarue, in her presentation, emphasized that the future of small and medium enterprises depends on their ability to integrate technology into production, marketing, and customer relations.
She urged entrepreneurs to embrace digital tools such as e-commerce, social media, and automated payment systems to scale their businesses.
A beneficiary, Mr. Gilbert Etiemudor, expressed appreciation to NASME for facilitating access to the BOI intervention loan of ₦5 million, describing the process as transparent and straightforward.
