AKURE — Small business operators and other stakeholders in Akure renewed calls for stronger support for local enterprises as attention focused on measures that could help businesses overcome financial and operational challenges. The demand reflected the important role played by small businesses in providing employment, supporting household incomes and sustaining economic activity across Ondo State. Business owners maintained that access to finance remained one of the major challenges facing small enterprises. They called for support schemes that would make affordable funding available to businesses and enable operators to expand their activities, purchase equipment and meet other operational needs. Stakeholders also stressed the importance of ensuring that small businesses had access to appropriate business training and advisory services. They said financial support alone would not be sufficient if business owners lacked the knowledge required to manage their enterprises effectively. Training in areas such as bookkeeping, marketing, customer management and business planning could help operators improve their chances of sustaining their businesses. The calls for stronger support also highlighted the difficulties faced by businesses operating in an increasingly competitive environment. Small enterprises often had limited resources compared with larger companies and could be more vulnerable to increases in operating costs and disruptions to their activities. Stakeholders therefore urged authorities and other organisations to develop programmes that responded to the specific needs of smaller businesses. Access to markets was another issue raised by stakeholders. Business operators said creating opportunities for local enterprises to sell their products and services could help increase revenues and support growth. They encouraged government institutions and larger organisations to consider local businesses when sourcing goods and services where appropriate. Stakeholders also called for improvements in the business environment. They said reliable electricity, good roads, access to information and efficient government services were important to the ability of small businesses to operate successfully. Reducing unnecessary administrative difficulties, they argued, would allow entrepreneurs to devote more attention to growing their enterprises. The support scheme was also viewed as an opportunity to encourage entrepreneurship among young people. Stakeholders maintained that practical assistance could help aspiring entrepreneurs turn business ideas into sustainable enterprises and create employment opportunities for others. They urged authorities to ensure that support programmes were accessible and that eligible beneficiaries were selected through transparent procedures. Business operators further called for proper monitoring of support programmes to ensure that funds and other resources reached their intended recipients. They said effective monitoring would improve confidence in such initiatives and help identify areas where programmes required adjustment. The renewed attention to small business support came as stakeholders continued to recognise the importance of entrepreneurship to economic development in Akure and the wider state. They maintained that stronger support for local enterprises could contribute to job creation, increased household incomes and greater economic activity. As discussions continued, business operators and other stakeholders called for practical reforms that would make support programmes more effective. They urged government and development partners to maintain investment in small businesses and ensure that initiatives were implemented in ways that produced lasting benefits for entrepreneurs and the wider economy.