The Institute of Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Management and Administration (IEAMA) has called for increased collaboration among financial institutions, investors, and entrepreneurs to improve access to funding for Nigerian entrepreneurs to scale their businesses amid the country’s current economic crisis.

Speaking at the second edition of the Finance Must Meet Enterprise (FME) 2026 and Award Session, which focused on ‘Financing the Future: Building Resilient Enterprises for Sustainable Economic Growth’, the Director-General/Registrar of the institute, Dr Jerry Ibeh, said many entrepreneurs had viable business ideas but lacked the financing, technical knowledge and strategic partnerships required to move from survival to sustainability.

He stressed that addressing the challenge required more than providing loans, noting that businesses also needed effective management, financial discipline, innovation and an enabling environment to thrive.

According to him, the FME initiative was established to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and capital providers and to create opportunities for collaboration among businesses, investors, financial institutions, and development partners.

He said the platform was expected to facilitate partnerships that would attract investment, create jobs and improve livelihoods.

The IEAMA Director-General also urged entrepreneurs to strengthen their business management practices and demonstrate accountability to improve their chances of attracting investment.

“Good ideas require good management. Capital requires accountability. Growth requires structure,” he said.

He added that sustainable enterprise development depended on integrity, competence and a clear business vision.

On his part, IEAMA Vice President, Dr Adeniyi Adekunle, also shared similar sentiments, calling for stronger collaboration between financial institutions, investors, government and entrepreneurs to bridge the funding gap facing businesses and stimulate economic growth in Nigeria.