MSME’s use trade fairs to approach bank

The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair served as the ideal platform to bring Micro, Small and Medium enterprises closer to the financial fire. Local commercial bank, FNB, used the opportunity to help numerous small businesses to have access to banking services. At the same time, they offered advice on financial management following many enquiries from small business owners.

FNB Area Manager, Rodney Forbes said they view the trade fair as more than just a venue where they can promote their own products and services. “For us a Trade Fair is more than being able to sell our products and services. It is most importantly about interacting with our customers and helping them to become smarter about their banking, thereby saving them time and money.”
He said the focal points were cross selling, cellphone banking, online banking, and marketing the brand. “The one that stood out, according to our staff at the stand, is the re-education of customers about bank products with emphasis on investment products. This was driven through a range of competitions tailor-made for fair visitors.
Forbes said most enquiries revolved around credit. Visitors wanted to know who qualifies for a FNB loan; whether a non FNB client qualify for credit facilities, whether FNB offers study loans and what type of investment products are available. On the technical side information was seeked on online banking.
According to Forbes another great success story of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair was the fact that the bank could educate MSME’s about the financial services that the bank offers. More than 20 small businesses were assisted and a number of credit cards and personal loans were approved.
“FNB’s presence at the trade fair is of the utmost importance as it creates a platform for us to be more approachable and customers felt comfortable” he said.