Stridevest Company Limited, a Cross River-based investment firm, has introduced a programme to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by helping business owners develop, fund, and grow their ventures to reduce unemployment in the state and beyond.
Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Calabar, Saturday, Stridevest’s CEO, Wilson Obidi, explained that the initiative focuses on investing in MSMEs by taking equity stakes rather than offering grants or loans.
“We invest in businesses we believe in, provided the owners demonstrate a clear vision and understanding of their goals,” Obidi said.
The programme, open to all types of businesses, allows applicants via the company’s website (www.stridevestltd.com) to access expert collaboration, professional mentorship, and strategic funding to ensure sustainable growth.
Barr. Christal Ogar Tawo, Head of Legal at Stridevest, clarified that the company will co-own businesses with owners, assisting with registration, education, mentoring, and growth monitoring.
The equity share, he said, will depend on the level of Stridevest’s involvement and the agreement with the business owner.
Stridevest aims to partner with government bodies, institutions, NGOs, and individuals to coordinate empowerment initiatives in Cross River and Nigeria in general.