Dr. Ernesto Sirolli, a Micro Enterprise Facilitation Trainer, has noted that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) need to be empowered to develop their skills to be able to compete with the changes in this technological era.

He pointed out that SMEs and entrepreneurs require persons who have the skills and passion in what they do - there is a need for them to do marketing research to know what individuals or companies want, especially in the areas in which they operates; and be able to produce in quality and meet standards.

He said this at a five-day course programme organised by the Sekondi-Takoradi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (STRCCI) on “Developing local SME suppliers for mining, oil and gas sectors” at Busua in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region.

He added that for businesses to succeed, products will have to be packaged well to meet standards; marketing also has to be fantastic, as well as record-keeping and financial management needing to be excellent.

According to him, most SMEs use their profit to cater for themselves - profit should be used to grow and expand the business.

“You have to assume control of your resources as a SME or entrepreneur, and also become visible and accessible in all areas,” he said.

Dr. Sorilli said enterprise facilitation is important to help the people become wealthy, and have the ability to plan strategically and be able to implement their ideas.

“For enterprises to succeed there is a need to work as a team and write business plans for effective and efficient delivery in the sector,” he added.

Mr. Ato Van Ess, the Chairman of STCCI said the chamber seeks to facilitate SMEs’ performance in the metropolis and the region as a whole -- “Our business development services are aimed at enabling SMEs to achieve growth in their business, create employment, and reduce poverty among others.

“We want to enhance business performance through better access to appropriate and adequate business information, capacity-building and coaching on modern business practice,” he said.

He also said there is a need for companies to understand that the economy depends on SMEs for support - they create employment opportunities.

“They need small amounts of resources to help them develop, expand and sustain their business for the growth of the economy,” he said.

Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Member of Parliament for Takoradi, pointed out that local SMEs need to know the opportunities that exist in the mining, oil and gas sectors.

He said these companies must be transparent and open up their offices for the local businesses, as well as advertise opportunities that abound through the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the Chamber of Commerce.

“These companies should be able to train and educate the SMEs on the desired products and services they can offer which will be able to meet standard - this will encourage SMEs to create the wealth that we are looking for,” he added.