In furtherance to the pledge made by the Abia State Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu at Aba Sports Club in 2018, the Commissioner for Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Mr Onyema Wachukwu has presented over 100 Free CAC Certificates to Small and Medium Enterprises in the State.
The Commissioner, in a post said the Ministry has continued the program on a rolling basis, in an effort to help those attempting to take the first and most important step in business.
Presenting the certificates, on behalf of the State Governor, Mr. Wachukwu informed the recipients that this represents a new dawn in their business life and reminded them that with these certificates, they will gain legitimacy in their businesses.
According to him, they will subsequently be eligible to access credit/grant facilities, from The World Bank, Commercial banks and other financial institutions.
The SME Commissioner tasked the recipient to separate their personal accounts from their business accounts, noting such exercise in discipline will serve them well in growing their businesses from the micro level and beyond.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Mr. Nkwachukwu Agomoh informed them that no one enters into any business without prior knowledge of the rudimentary aspects of doing business. Hence the need for EDI (Entrepreneurship Development Institute) training which the Ministry, having partnered with SMEDAN is able to offer at a subsidized amount.
He further informed the recipients that the Ministry was fully prepared to vouch for any SME that has qualified for grants/loans from financial institutions.
Responding, a recipient, Rev. Azubuike Iheme thanked the Governor through the Commissioner for the great opportunity provided to Abians, and promised that they will undertake every necessary step to assist the Ministry in promoting SMEs in the State.
