NTB opens ‘Nations Business Centre’ for SMEs in Batticaloa

Thursday, 9 August 2012 01:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Nations Trust Bank (NTB) opens the first ‘Nations Business Centre’ in the Eastern Province taking the total number of dedicated Business Centres for SME Customers to five. Key objectives of these centres are to provide a one-stop-shop for our SME customers, increase access to finance and build capacities among SME customers. Through the Nations Business Centre SME customers can access all financial products and services offered by NTB as well as business advisory services that enhance knowledge and skills which will help them to take their business to the next level.

Subsequent to the opening of the business centre, a seminar was conducted for SME customers, followed by an evening of fellowship. The SME customers who participated in this business forum included traders, importers, exporters, manufactures and distributors in the area. Many business forums of this nature will continue to be organised across the country on various topics that benefit entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The business forum was conducted by the Business Development Centre resource person, K. Perimbarasa, who is also a Certified SME Toolkit Trainer. Customers were introduced to the web-based SME Toolkit developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which is managed locally by Dialog Axiata. The Toolkit contains a range of useful financial management tools, which are easy to use and help to improve the running of businesses. A key benefit of the SME Toolkit is that it is available in Sinhalese, Tamil and English languages. The SME Toolkit is also made available at the Nations Business Centre in Batticaloa so that customers could access it with the assistance of the bank’s trained staff.

NTB offers SME customers a range of product and services including working capital finance, long term financing for business expansion and investments, cash management services, trade services for importers/exporters, guarantee facilities, leasing and factoring solutions as well as specialised services such as bank-at-your-doorstep and trade document delivery services for business customers. All this is packaged in its Business Banking Account where the bank offers have Platinum, Gold and Silver categories each providing a special set of benefits, including lucrative rewards points, for our business customers.

Commenting on this initiative NTB Deputy General Manager, Retail and SME Banking and chief guest at the opening Keshini Jayawardana said, “We understand that SME’s are the driving force of our economy and NTB will continuously strive to add value to the financial propositions that we launch from time to time to cater to this business clientele.’’

NTB PLC is one of the fastest growing banks in Sri Lanka today. The bank now has 52 branches, seven personal banking centres and is the sole issuer and acquirer for American Express cards in Sri Lanka.