CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Small medium enterprises (SMEs) are considered the backbone of economic growth in all countries. They play an important role in Nigerians economic growth, as they constitute 97.2% of the companies in Nigeria .They also contribute to national development by positively influencing the distribution of income in both functional and nominal terms. In emphasizing the importance of SMEs ,Rogers,2014, stated;they enhance capacity building as they serve as entrepreneurial training avenues ; they create more employment opportunities; per unit of investment because of their labour intensive operations; they achieve a much more relative high value added operations because they are propelled by basic economic activities that depend mostly on locally sourced raw materials; they provide feeder industry services as they serve as major suppliers of intermediate goods and components to large-scale industries as well as major agents for the distribution of final products of such industries; they provide opportunities for the development local skill and technology acquisition through adaptation. Despite the catalytic role of SMEs in the economic emancipation of countries, some of their major operational challenges in Nigeria include financial problems. About 80% of small and medium enterprises are stifled because of poor financing.
The research intends to appraise the impact of commercial banks in the financing of SMEs in Nigeria, with a case study of first bank plc.
Despite the significant role of SMES,they are largely affected by lack and insufficiency of funds to operate and expand their businesses. In view of this commercial banks in Nigeria play financial roles towardsmeeting the capital and operational funds required by SMES
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What is the nature and roles of SMEs?
2. What is the nature of the financing problem of SMEs?
3. What is the role of commercial banks in financing SMEs in Nigeria?
4. What constitute the financing options of first bank to SMEs in Nigeria?
1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The study shall highlight the significance of SMEs to the economy
The study shall analyze the roles of commercial banks in financing SMEs in Nigeria
The study shall provide financing options offered by first bank plc to SMEs in Nigeria.
The study shall serve as a veritable source of information to managers and consultants
H1 SMEs is significant to the economy
H1 The financial challenge in SMEs is low
3 H0 The impact of first bank in financing SMEs is low
H1 The impact of first bank in financing SMEs is high
The research shall appraise the role of commercial banks in financing SMEs in Nigeria.
It shall elucidate the nature and significance of SMEs as well as analyze the financing challenges of SMEs in Nigeria.
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