{
  "id": 16682255,
  "title": "ProvidusUnity Bank Graduates Over 100 Entrepreneurs from SME Programme",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/providusunity-bank-graduates-over-100-entrepreneurs-from-sme-programme",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T23:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/10/27/providusunity-bank-graduates-over-100-entrepreneurs-from-sme-programme/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ProvidusUnity Bank has graduated over 100 entrepreneurs from the sixth cohort of its SME Development Programme, focusing on empowering small businesses to overcome growth challenges. Organized in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, the three-month program brought together SME owners from Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt for intensive training sessions.\n\nSpeaking at the graduation ceremony in Lagos, Ernest Elue, Head of Business Development at ProvidusUnity Bank, emphasized that the initiative aims to address the capacity gaps hindering SME growth, ultimately contributing to national development. He explained, “Our programme extends beyond training; it's about creating an ecosystem where small businesses can acquire the necessary knowledge, networks, and support for long-term sustainability and growth. SMEs are the backbone of the Nigerian economy, and investing in their success is an investment in the country’s future.”\n\nParticipants expressed that the program was a transformative experience, offering practical solutions to real business challenges and enhancing their growth capacity. Ukponi Bahan, founder of Danny Palm Oil, highlighted that the training challenged their business perspective and sharpened their growth strategy, particularly in operations, planning, and sustainability, as they prepare for future expansion.",
  "summary": "Nume Ekeghe ProvidusUnity Bank has graduated more than 100 entrepreneurs from the sixth cohort of its SME Development Programme, continuing its efforts to help small businesses overcome the challenges that",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}