To bridge the gap between micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, and financial services in the Niger Delta, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) held a one-day capacity-building and linkage workshop for business development service providers (BDSPs) on June 13, 2025.
Hosted in Warri, Delta State, the workshop introduced ten BDSPs to Sombreiro Kapital’s range of tailored financial products and promoted deeper collaboration with financial institutions to better serve farmers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the Niger Delta.
Bridging the Access to Finance Gap
Access to affordable finance remains one of the most significant barriers to MSMEs and smallholder farmers in the region. Limited credit history, inadequate record-keeping, and fragile business structures often lead financial institutions to classify these enterprises as high-risk.
BDSPs play a critical role in closing this gap. They help MSMEs strengthen their financial profiles, improve business operations, to become finance-ready. Through its financial initiative, Sombreiro Kapital (SK), PIND addresses these systemic barriers by creating inclusive, customized financial solutions that respond to the unique needs of agricultural enterprises and small businesses.Speaking at the event, Mr. Misan Edema-Sillo, PIND’s Economic Development Manager, noted the vital role BDSPs play as intermediaries: “By building the capacity of BDSPs and linking them with relevant financial actors, we empower them to act as catalysts for MSME growth and drive inclusive development across the region”.
Also present was Mrs. Stella Jamgbadi, Managing Director of Sombreiro Kapital, who highlighted the workshop’s purpose: “We want BDSPs to fully understand our range of financial products so they can better support MSMEs in accessing financing that matches their business needs.”
The financial products introduced at the workshop included Credit Risk Guarantees (CRG), Asset Finance, Working Capital Finance, Input Finance, Service Providers Loan (NANO Credit), and Technical Advisory Support—all designed to improve accessibility and address the financial needs of agribusinesses and small enterprises.
Key Outcomes of the Workshop
The workshop yielded actionable insights and outcomes that will help scale financial support across the region.
Key outcomes include:
- Familiarizing BDSPs with Sombreiro Kapital’s financial products and delivery models
- Strengthening BDSP capacity to serve as key intermediaries in advancing financial inclusion
- Building stronger connections between BDSPs, Sombreiro Kapital, and partner financial institutions
- Developing finance-ready business proposal templates to enhance MSME access to credit
- Forming sustainable partnerships to support long-term financial access and local economic growth
Impact and the Next Steps
As a result of this workshop, the ten participating BDSPs are now better equipped to help MSMEs and smallholder farmers navigate financing requirements and leverage Sombreiro Kapital’s tailored financial products. Five BDSPs will receive follow-up technical assistance to support small businesses and farmers in accessing capital that can spur their growth.
This initiative underscores PIND’s broader commitment to strengthening grassroots financial systems as part of its inclusive economic development strategy. By facilitating sustainable access to finance, PIND continues to empower local enterprises, improve livelihoods, and foster long-term, inclusive prosperity across the Niger Delta.
