Venture Capital Firms Meet SMEs at Business Sense

Leading venture capital fund managers in Ghana and UK will discuss how to access much needed capital with business owners, entrepreneurs and managing directors of small and medium scale enterprises at Business Sense 2011 conference. This important conference, which takes place at the KAMA Conference Centre on 24-25th February, is under the theme, "Turning ideas into profitable businesses to drive Ghana’s private sector" and organised by OML Africa. Lined up to address conference delegates, made up of top management from over 50 mostly Ghanaian-owned businesses, are officials from Grofin, Oasis Capital, Ghana Private Sector Development Fund and Angel Finance, UK's most experienced global finance specialists. Anthony Annan, an official of Grofin Ghana and speaker at the conference on the topic, “SME Funding -Tackling the missing majority”, said “Capital needed to drive economic growth in Africa certainly exists, but is being invested in the wrong asset class. Foreign direct investment in Africa has increased from $9 billion in 2000 to $62 billion in 2008- almost as large as the flow of capital into China, when measured relative to GDP.” He continued,” Prioritization of this capital has been imbalanced. To fully realize the potential of SMEs, the sector needs to be approached with a fresh perspective attuned to the challenges it faces. There is a need for the focus to shift from the available collateral in the business to the viability of the business and the ability of the entrepreneur.” Founder and Managing Director of Angel Finance, (an equity and venture capital which has helped raise in excess of £250million for various companies in UK, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa), Douglas Oppong will deliver a paper on "How Not To Let The Bank Say “No” To Your Business Finance Proposal” at Business Sense 2011 to equip delegates with boosting their chances of capital acquisition for their businesses. Matthew Boadu Adjei, Founder and CEO of Oasis Capital Ghana will also address the conference. Oasis Capital is raising US$25 million in a series of fund closings to enable it provide funding for SMEs and has, as of March 2010, completed its first closing at US$10 million. It has also signed a US$2 million co-investment agreement with Social Venture Capital 1 BV (SOVEC) of the Netherlands under which SOVEC co-invests with funds managed by Oasis Capital on case by case basis. Delegates at the Business Sense 2011 conference will also learn how to access the Ghana Private Sector Development Fund, a Ghanaian-Italian credit facility which is a 22-million Euro credit line supporting the growth of SMEs and enhancing their contribution to Ghana’s development . Miss Anita Wiafe, MD of OML Africa says,” As organisers, we recognize the desperate need for capital by many SMEs and as a result, we have assembled a high-quality panel of speakers to assist the development and sustainability of Ghanaian businesses. However, the focus of the entire conference is not only capital or business loan acquisition. There are other reputable speakers delivering presentations on all key areas of business including sales, business plan writing, marketing, customer service, recruitment, tax and more.” “The Business Sense 2011 conference is all about giving the best quality advice to businesses. The aim is to bring experts to share their modern day business practices that have delivered results. It brings thought leaders, experts to share and mentor entrepreneurs to embrace efficient and sustainable business practices in a modern world economy”, she added. Other speakers include Charles Nornoo (Executive Director at Development Solutions Centre and CEO of Genuine Products Limited); Jeanine Bowen (Vice Chair, Ghana South Africa Chamber of Commerce); Peter Gyateng (General Manager, Kingdom Books); Dr Dan Quaye (lecturer, University of Ghana Business School);Prince Amoako Nuamah (Ghana Chamber of Commerce); Dr Esi Ansah (Assistant Professor, Ashesi University); Kojo Amissah (Lead Executive, Commonwealth Institute of Technology and Management) and many other reputable business experts Delegates from a wide cross section of business are expected to attend including FC Beauty Group, Grameen-A Ventures, Builders Accessories Ghana Ltd, GMT Shipping Limited, Omega Health Care, AAS Consultants (Nigeria), Vahil Co Limited, Gecam Superior Limited, Anslyd Enterprise, Zaare Craft & Leather Industries, Genius Consult Ltd, Ataade Patterns, Zodiac Marine Service and Oliben Foundry & Technical Services. Others are Gravies Group, Contact & Supply Services Ltd, Resource Link Foundation, Experts Consult Ltd, Stable Capital, Green Enviro Tech Ltd, LawZan Limited, Mawood Drinkables Ltd, Philiyanco Company Limited, Prime Street Investments, ROWI, Dorwill Travel & Tours, Joy Standard Schools, Rulwilkan Global Group, Rapnet Pharmaceuticals, Kristo Asafo Mission, Krispat Ear Centre Ghana Ltd, Adansi Rural Bank and many more. A 2-day business exhibition with free admission to the public will run alongside the conference. Business Sense 2011 is sponsored by Arik Air, Joy Business, the Daily Guide and Modern Ghana. For more information call 0206367515 or 0545302854. Email: paul@hr-oml.co.uk Visit the event website http://www.businesssensegh.com To Register as a Delegate Click Here

Free Admission to Accra Business Expo

Join thousands of business-minded visItors at Business Sense 2011, Ghana's biggest event for SMEs and start-ups at the KAMA Conference Centre on 24-25th February 2011. Come and network with top decision makers in Ghana's private sector and build your business network. There will be on display various innovative goods and services from leading local and foreign companies including AirFranceKLM, Grofin, Ghana Home Loans, Citylink, TAGh, Business Innovation Systems,Gentrac Investments, Living Image Ltd, Gravies Group, Rulwilkan Global Groups and many more... Admission is FREEEEE!!!!

To Register as an exhibitor click here Some Exhibitors The Exhibitor package Exhibition stands cost from $300 are (4sq, 6m sq and 9sq) and include: Your company’s Name Written On Fascia 1 Table 2 Chairs 1 Electrical socket Carpet Fitting 2 Spotlights Exhibitor Benefits: Opportunity to showcase or launch your services and products to a targeted business audience Opportunity to network with key business decision makers Opportunity to generate new business leads Logo on the event website Logo and 50 word editorial in Exhibitor Guide Mention in our fortnightly email distributed to nearly 10,000 email addresses globally For further information on any of our Exhibition packages or advertisement in the Event Guide, please contact: Email: paul@hr-oml.co.uk or brighterfutures@hr-oml.co.uk Telephone: 0545302854 OR 0206367515 (Ghana)

Business Conference and Expo Slated for Accra

Business Conference and Expo Slated for Accra

Business Sense 2011, an international exhibition and conference designed specifically for businesses and start-ups, is scheduled to take place in Accra on 25-26th February, 2011 with over 80 registered SMEs from Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, India, United Kingdom and beyond. Anita Wiafe, Managing Director of OML Africa, organizers of Business Sense 2011 says,” This event is for anyone starting a business or expanding a business in Ghana. With a conference, exhibition, one-to-one advice, business plan competition and networking events, it is the perfect opportunity to find all the tools and information to start and develop a profitable and sustainable business in Ghana.” “Business Sense 2011 is also the perfect platform for Ghanaian businesses to come and learn trade secrets from the experts themselves and those making it. The uniqueness of the conference lies in the topic areas that have been lined up for delegates. Most often at such conferences, delegates are fired up by motivational speakers but to operate in today’s difficult business environment, business owners and entrepreneurs need more than motivation to survive.” International speakers and local experts will address over 100 Managing Directors, Executive Directors, CEOs, Business Owners, Business Development Managers on all key areas of business including but not limited to business plans, accessing capital, business law, accounting, marketing, sales, customer service, human resource management, etc. Some key speakers include Dr Daniel Quaye who is Coordinator of the University of Ghana Business School; Jeanine Bowen, Vice Chair, Ghana-South Chamber of Commerce; Matthew Boadu Adjei, Founder of Oasis Capital; Douglas Oppong, Founder of Angel Finance (UK); Kojo Amissah, Lead Executive of Commonwealth Institute of Technology and Management and many other reputable speakers from diverse backgrounds of industry. Running alongside the conference is a business exhibition where businesses will showcase their services and products to a high-calibre business-oriented audience. Exhibitors at Business Sense 2011 will have the unique opportunity to network with highly targeted and focused visitors on a face to face basis as well as major decision-makers attending the conference. Business Sense 2011 expo will also be a platform to launch new business products and services. Miss Wiafe added, “Imagine thousands of potential customers walking through your front desk over 2 days. Exhibitors will generate sales leads from new contacts which will culminate into more business and profits. Any business that supplies the SME industry (which constitutes 90% of the economy) should make a presence at the Business Sense 2011 exhibition as linkages between small and large businesses are enhanced”. Some registered exhibitors are Europair (South Africa), Taxi Adverts Media Ghana, Citylink Airlines, Godspros Enterprise, Rulwikan Global Groups, Gravies Group, Seahath Canning Company (India), Gentrac Investments, Groconsult, Prime Logistics, Ghana Business Register Online, Seloart Limited, Bany Laboratories, etc. Media sponsors of Business Sense 2011 include The Daily Guide, Modern Ghana and Joy FM. For more information and registration details call +233206367515 or email enquiries@hr-oml.co.uk or visit the dedicated event websitehttp://www.businesssensegh.com

Want capital for your African business?

SMEs in developing countries are usually faced with many challenges especially having access to capital. Though there is a growing plethora of banks across Africa, most of them tend to focus more on already established and larger organisations. We have identified this need and invited banks, venture capital companies and other non-banking financial institutions to reach out to the SME market (which constitutes nearly 90% of business in Africa) at Business Sense 2011. Some confirmed venture capital and financial organisations at Business Sense 2011 includeOasis Capital, Grofin, Angel Finance Group (UK), Ghana Private Sector Development Facility and many other reputable SME financeers. We would therefore like to invite you to register to attend Business Sense 2011,Ghana's biggest business conference for entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs.The Business Sense 2011 conference will run alongside a mega business exhibition that be held at the Accra International Conference Centre on 25-26 February, 2011. This important business event will bring together successful local and foreign business experts who will present papers on each key area of business, including acquiring access to capital, registering your business, sales, marketing, etc. Delegates at Business Sense 2011 will learn modern business methods to increase profits and will have networking opportunities and one-to-one advice to help you propel your business to the next level.If you are a CEO, entrepreneur, business development manager or a business owner who wants to move your business forward, you will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with foreign and local business experts and learn from the best. We hope to see you there, The Business Sense 2011 team For further details and to register for your ticket, please click the link below... Register online To Sponsor Conference To Advertise

Benefits

How to successfully set up your business How to access capital How to grow your business Learn the trade secrets to a profitable business from successful business people Opportunity to network with key business experts To create an opportunity for ideas to become real businesses To train Ghanaian entrepreneurs in modern business methods and provide them access to capital funding For more information, visit http://www.businesssensegh.com

New Human Resource Firm Launches in Ghana

A new international consultancy, Occupational Management Limited (OML), has recently launched in Accra to provide high-quality Human Resource (HR) services and training to the private, public and not-for-profit sectors in Ghana. Occupational Management Limited, a Ghanaian-owned HR management firm operating with 4 years experience in the United Kingdom, is extending its bespoke HR services to the local market and has already hosted their first major recruitment and talent management event, Brighter Futures 2010 Exhibition and Conference which attracted both foreign and local organizations and experts.

Speaking at the launch of the new HR company, Miss Anita Wiafe said, “HR has a role to play in developing Human capital for Ghana. Organizations in Ghana be they local, regional or branches of multinational companies must position themselves for a coming era of intense competition and growth, and that means they must have the right talent in place. HR leaders have to adopt the right human-capital strategies to ensure they have the right employees with the right skills in the right places at the right time in order to reap the business opportunities that are emerging out of the global economy. Therefore, OML aims to provide HR services that will contribute tackling the human capital challenges in Africa”.

OML provides strategic HR management services to businesses in Africa to improve their profit line including:

· Recruitment, selection and retention

· Personnel administration outsourcing

· Performance management implementation

· HR systems software

· Talent management

· Training & Development centres

· Employee handbook (policies and procedures)

· Workforce strategies

Miss Wiafe continued, ”Our international expertise and experience, coupled with local knowledge in the provision of high quality and modern HR services, places OML in a unique position to help businesses in Ghana run better by aligning people with business objectives and most importantly, providing Ghanaian businesses with strategic HR management services that will boost their profits.”

She concluded, “We are a client-focused HR company driven by a deep understanding of the industry, a passion for the provision of quality HR solutions and an enviable record of helping our clients to succeed. We attach a personal touch to every call, email or on-site visit. We have a combined total of over thirty years of top quality HR knowledge and expertise. It is the vision of OML to open offices across Africa and become the continent’s leading HR consultancy”.

Some international companies that have benefited from OML’s services include UK’s Industry and Parliamentary Trust, United Carribean Society, GVEP International, Article 19, Interpal, Springboard for Children and many other reputable organizations.

At the recently held Brighter Futures 2010 organized by OML this July in Accra, exhibitors, speakers and delegates from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Vodafone Ghana, MTN, Gambian Ports Authority, Ecobank, Ghana Commercial Bank, Joblinks newspaper, Modern Ghana, The Ghanaian Journal,Ghana Labour Commission, Staces HR, Gateway Services Limited, Rana Motors, Bioss from South Africa, IPMC, etc benefited from attending the event.

For more information on OML and the services they offer, visit http://www.hrforafrica.com

Or call 0545302854 or email enquiries@hrforafrica.com

Announcing the Business Sense 2011 Conference

Date: 25^th and 26^th February 2011

Venue: Accra International Conference Centre

About the Conference

The Business Sense 2011 conference is aimed at existing and new businesses in Ghana. Business Sense aims to bring thought leaders, business experts, etc to share and mentor entrepreneurs to embrace efficient and sustainable business practices in a modern world economy.

Over 200 delegates including CEOs, entrepreneurs, business development managers, business owners, HR managers and Directors to be addressed by top business speakers and experts.

Join the 2011 Speaking Faculty
OML Africa is accepting proposals for the Business Sense 2011 Conference. For consideration, please email Paul Asinor at paul@hr-oml.co.uk with the following information:

• Proposed speaker name, title and company
• Contact information including phone and e-mail
• Proposed title of presentation
• Brief overview of the presentation (1 brief paragraph plus 3-4 bullets that illustrate the session take-aways)

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

· Planning a business and writing a business plan

· Raising finance and controlling cashflow

· Time management and reducing stress

· Franchising, or buying an existing business

· The latest in communications technology and IT

· Locating the best premises

· Expanding your business

· Bookkeeping, taxation and accountancy (including tax and VAT)

· Intellectual property, patenting and protecting innovations

· Websites, the internet and e-commerce

· Marketing your business

· Importing and exporting

· Training, recruitment and retention

· Motivation, and how to motivate those around you

· Branding, advertising & PR

· Legal advice

Proposals must be submitted by Monday, August 30, 2010.

Best Regards,

Paul Asinor
Event Director
Business Sense 2011
paul@hr-oml.co.uk
http://www.businesssensegh.com

Tel: 0545302854

Post: BOX GP 21869, Accra

Accra to Host Business Event for Start-Ups

Ghana’s biggest business Exhibition and conference for business start-ups as well as Small and Medium-scale enterprises, Business Sense 2011, is to be held in Accra from 25-26 February 2011. Business Sense 2011 will be under the theme, “Turning ideas into profitable businesses to drive Ghana’s private sector” and is expected to attract over 50 exhibitors, 100 conference delegates and 5,000 business-focused visitors over the period of the event.

Announcing this important event, Paul Asinor, Event Director of Business Sense 2011 said, “The entrepreneurial spirit of Ghanaians has never been in doubt. However, the ability to successfully establish and grow businesses in a constantly-changing technological and global world limits many Ghanaian businesses from reaching their maximum potential. For example, in survey published in April this year by African Business magazine, there were only two Ghanaian companies in Africa’s top 250 companies in terms of market value. In the same survey, there were only three Ghanaian companies in West Africa’s top 50 companies over the past twelve months.”

“This dismal trend cuts a disturbing picture as the private sector is the engine of growth and has a crucial role to play in our economy. Ghana needs business and business needs entrepreneurs armed with the right tools and knowledge to help their business thrive. The Business Sense Exhibition and Conference is so essential and relevant to Ghana Business especially now that all eyes from the world are on Africa as an emerging market”, he added.

Some of the objectives of Business Sense 2011 are:

• To promote and enhance business growth and creation in Ghana;
• To enable Ghanaian entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other, leading to greater business success;
• To provide knowledge bank for those in the Diaspora interested in starting businesses in Ghana
• To provide a platform for suppliers to sell their services to established businesses and start-up businesses”, he added.

The Business Sense 2011 Exhibition is expected to attract over 50 business service providers including Banking and Non-banking organisations, Insurance companies, Office equipment suppliers, IT & telecoms providers, Website Designers, PR & Marketing companies, Advertising agencies, Printers, Recruitment Agencies, Business Software companies, Accountancies, Law firms, Shipping and Courier Services, and any company which provides goods and services to SMEs, etc.

Exhibitors at Business Sense 2011 will be presented with a fantastic opportunity to showcase or launch their latest services and products to a highly-qualified business audience, network with key business decision makers and generate new business leads.

There will also be a conference at Business Sense 2011, aimed at existing and new businesses. Over 100 delegates including CEOs, entrepreneurs, business development managers, business owners, HR managers and Directors to be addressed by successful business speakers and experts. Delegates will benefit from learning “How to successfully set up your business”; “How to grow your business”; “Learn the trade secrets to a profitable business”; and will be a unique opportunity to network with key business experts.

Some topics to be discussed at the Business Sense 2011 will include “How to Write a Good Business Plan”, “Getting the Loan for Your Business”, “How to Profit From Your Website”, “What about the Taxman” and many more.

For more information on registration, sponsorship and advertising opportunities, call 0545302854 (Ghana) or 08447362722 (United Kingdom) or email paul@hr-oml.co.uk or visit http://www.businesssensegh.com

The organizers of Business Sense 2011, Occupational Management Limited in association with Golden Stool PR, successfully hosted Brighter Futures 2010, a Human Resource Management Conference and recruitment exhibition at the Accra International Conference Centre from 8-10 July and are proud to present yet another high-quality event to grow Ghanaian businesses.