FirstBank SMEConnect Webinar: Practical Sales Strategies to Win Customers, Boost Revenue

FirstBank, West Africa's premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has finalised arrangements for the forthcoming edition of its SMEConnect Webinar, a capacity-building platform dedicated to the development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. The webinar, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, September 9, 2026, is anchored on FirstBank's brand promise of "You First" and is designed to provide business owners and entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, market insights, and access to the Bank's suite of tailored financial and advisory solutions.

The theme for the third-quarter edition of the webinar is "The SME Growth Blueprint: Practical Sales Strategies to Win Customers and Boost Revenue." Participants will be exposed to proven methodologies for enhancing brand visibility, strengthening customer acquisition, improving sales conversion, deepening customer loyalty, and achieving long-term business growth. In a business environment where many SMEs struggle to translate their products and services into sustainable revenue, the webinar promises to bridge the gap between potential and performance.

The session will feature an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Helen Mojisola Ijaola, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Bags Warehouse; Onome Gbenga-Adewara, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mamalicious Products Nigeria; and Olusola Ogunsakin, Group Head of the Retail Banking Group at FirstBank. The webinar will be hosted by Helen A. Willie, Head of SME Banking at FirstBank, with Olajumoke Moyo-Ladipo, Team Lead for SME Engagement & Advisory at FirstBank, serving as moderator. This combination of entrepreneurial experience and banking expertise ensures that participants will receive a well-rounded perspective on driving business growth.

Speaking ahead of the webinar, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive of e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, underscored the strategic relevance of the theme. "Growth is not accidental; it is driven by the ability of businesses to create value, win customers, and convert opportunities into sustainable revenue. At FirstBank, we recognise that many SMEs possess great products and services but often require practical sales strategies to unlock their full potential. This SMEConnect Webinar is designed to bridge that gap by providing insights from successful business leaders who have built and scaled thriving enterprises."

Ezirim further emphasised the bank's broader commitment to the SME sector, stating, "Through these initiatives, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to equipping SMEs with the knowledge, capacity, and support needed to accelerate growth, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria's economy." His remarks reflect FirstBank's longstanding dedication to financial inclusion and enterprise development, recognising that SMEs are the backbone of the Nigerian economy and a critical driver of job creation and economic diversification.

The SMEConnect platform has become a cornerstone of FirstBank's efforts to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises across Nigeria. By providing access to practical knowledge and market insights, the bank is helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the business environment and build resilient, scalable enterprises. The focus on sales strategies for the third-quarter edition is particularly timely, as many businesses continue to grapple with the challenges of customer acquisition and revenue generation in a competitive marketplace.

The webinar's emphasis on practical, actionable strategies distinguishes it from generic business training programmes. Participants will not only learn theoretical concepts but will also gain insights from entrepreneurs who have successfully built and scaled their businesses. The presence of speakers like Helen Mojisola Ijaola and Onome Gbenga-Adewara, who have firsthand experience of the challenges and opportunities facing Nigerian SMEs, adds immense value to the session. Their stories of resilience, innovation and growth will serve as both inspiration and practical guidance for attendees.

For business owners and entrepreneurs across Nigeria, the SMEConnect Webinar represents a valuable opportunity to gain the knowledge and strategies needed to take their enterprises to the next level. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the ability to win customers and boost revenue has never been more critical. With FirstBank's SMEConnect platform, entrepreneurs have a trusted partner committed to their success, providing not just financial services but also the knowledge and support needed to thrive.