The fourth
annual Ghana SME Summit will open in Accra on 20-21 November, according to
organisers, OML Africa and is under the theme “Boosting SME Growth in
Challenging Economic Times” .Nearly 100 delegates made up of business owners,
CEOs, Managing Directors, entrepreneurs, investors, key decision makers and
policy makers in the SME market in Ghana are expected to attend this important
event.
According to Paul Asinor, Conference
Director of OML Africa,”
Some experts describe Ghana’s economy
today to be in crisis. Others choose to say the economy is only facing
challenges. It is not far from the truth to say that local businesses, most
especially small and medium-scale enterprises are currently reeling under the
effects of high rates of inflation and even higher rates of bank interest,
fluctuations in electricity delivery, a staggering cedi against the dollar,
labour unrests, amongst many others.”
He continued,”Small business growth has
at best, stagnated in recent times with many SMEs forced to downsize or even
shut down. But this dismal trend need not continue for SMEs who are determined
to update their processes, take advantage of modern technologies, equip
themselves with knowledge in sales and marketing and ultimately grow their
businesses even in challenging times.”
“At this year’s conference, the Ghana SME
Summit looks at practical solutions to the problems facing SMEs as they are
vulnerable and bear the brunt of any major negative shocks in the business
sector. Therefore, a powerful list of business experts and facilitators has
been lined up that can bring applicable solutions to our delegates”, he
concluded.
Some of the
speakers at the fourth Ghana SME Summit include Ethel Cofie (Founder, BarCamp
Africa); Charles Amoh (Lead Consultant, NTHC SME Unit); Brigitte Dzogbenuku(Empowering
Women Ghana) and Anita Wiafe(MD, OML Africa). Others include Mintah Gyampoh(CEO,
Chemitech Solutions) ;Paul Ababio (CEO and Founder, Gold Coast Agri Ventures);
Katherine Tosan Woode (Chief Commercial Officer, Africa World Airlines);
JenniferAgyeman( AmazingU ); Alfred Nkrow (Commercial Manager, IS Internet
Solutions Ghana Ltd), Emmanuel Nyame (Chairman, Ghana Startup Cup) and many top
business experts.
Some
very important topics to be discussed are:” Building your Balance Sheet in
Difficult Economic Conditions”; “Staying Ahead of the Competition-Crucial Tips
to Beat Your Rivals”; “Getting Customers-Tips to Selling
Successfully”;“Creating a Loyal Workforce Culture Even in a Challenging
Economy”; and “Best Businesses to Start
in an Economic Downturn”. Other topics are “Government Initiatives to Support
SMEs in Ghana”; “The Impact of an Economic Recession on Business Strategies of
an SME”; “The Effect of a Sliding Cedi on Your Business and How to Combat It”;
and more.
At the
end of the fourth Ghana SME Summit, delegates will discover
how to grow their businesses even in a challenging economic climate; Gain
practical insights and learn from successful business owners and experts on
their innovation experiences, business philosophies and formula for success.
Delegates will also hear from representatives from various government agencies
on the new government assistance schemes available to power the growth of their
businesses.
For
more information, visit www.businesssensegh.com or call 0206367515.
