The Minister of Trade and Industry, Ekow Spio Garbrah, will open the fourth annual Ghana SME Summit scheduled for 20-21 November in Accra.

It is under the theme “Boosting SME Growth in Challenging Economic Times”. This event is also part of activities marking the celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Nearly 100 delegates made up of business owners, CEOs, Managing Directors, entrepreneurs, investors, key decision-makers and policymakers in Ghana’s SME sector are expected to attend.

According to Paul Asinor, Conference Director of OML, Africa, “Some experts describe Ghana’s economy today as being 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 depreciation against the dollar, and 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 Stephen Gyasi-Gyau (Ghana Host, Global Entrepreneurship Week); Charles Amoh (Lead Consultant, NTHC SME Unit); Brigitte Dzogbenuku (Executive Director, 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); Jennifer Agyeman (CEO, 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 several more.

At the end of the fourth Ghana SME Summit, delegates will discover how to grow their businesses even in a challenging economic climate; and gain practical insights and learn from successful business owners and experts on their innovation experiences, business philosophies and formulae for success.

Delegates will also hear from representatives of various government agencies on the new government assistance schemes available to power the growth of their businesses.