Stanbic joins ConsumerCentriX to offer post-Covid solutions for SMEs

May 20, 2020 in Business by Editor

Gincherman said by providing support promptly, the Info Hub can make the difference for enterprises to weather the pandemic’s impact.

Stanbic Bank Uganda (SBU) has partnered with ConsumerCentriX on the Covid-19 Business Info Hub to provide much-needed information and possible solutions for Ugandan entrepreneurs struggling with the financial consequences of the pandemic.

“ConsumerCentriX is honoured to continue working with Stanbic Bank on further strengthening its small and medium enterprise proposition to address these challenging times. Being relevant, providing support promptly can make the difference for enterprises today,” Anna Gincherman, Partner at ConsumerCentriX said after the announcement.

The website gives entrepreneurs advice on financial management to overcome an economic slowdown and insights into new developments across industries. Through a partnership with the African Management Institute (AMI), the Covid-19 Business Info Hub will promote informative virtual training sessions and webinars to help entrepreneurs navigate these challenging new circumstances.

SBU Head of Personal and Business Banking Grace Muliisa said, “We are aware of various the challenges businesses are facing especially during this time, and we are committed to unlocking new solutions to enable business continuity.”

She said, “Among the key initiatives Stanbic has put in place to support businesses is the loan repayment holidays, as a measure to protect clients from adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will also continue to be at the forefront of delivering wholesome solutions to entrepreneurs directly through strategic alliances and partnerships to keep them thriving during and post the pandemic.”

Employing over 2.5 million people, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the key driver of growth for Uganda’s economy. However, as the impact of COVID 19 pandemic unfolds, the SME sector faces reduced business activity and financial security as a result of disruptions to the supply chain, travel restrictions, and changing work environments.

Over the last few months, Stanbic Bank has already introduced a range of innovative products and services to support entrepreneurs with overcoming these challenges. For example, to address reduced revenues and cash flow, clients can now access an unsecured overdraft facility within 24 hours based on the performance of their banking history. To reduce disruptions in the supply chain, has partnered with Zhejiang International Trading Supply Chain Co Ltd to support enterprise clients importing from China.

The Covid-19 Business Info Hub will become a centralized platform for Stanbic to communicate these responsive efforts with enterprise clients in Uganda. However, the vision of the site is to become a trusted resource for all entrepreneurs in Uganda, looking for industry insights and relevant virtual training sessions.

As the implementing partner, ConsumerCentriX is well-positioned to support Stanbic Bank’s on this critical endeavour. ConsumerCentriX is an international strategy consulting firm that works with financial service providers and policymakers on translating consumer insights into market strategies and policies to reach the un/undeserved. The firm has extensive experience supporting SME development in East Africa through financial and non-financial services.