SME Expo and Conference Slated for Accra

Business Sense 2012, an international business conference and exhibition for small and medium scale enterprises, is scheduled to take place at the Accra International Conference Centre from 31 May- June 2, 2012.

Organized by OML Africa, the makers of Accra International Motor Fair, this important event is under the theme “Growing Sustainable Enterprises through Finance and Technology”.

Business Sense 2012 is expected to attract over 50 exhibitors (made up of SMEs and large organizations supplying the small business market) and a delegates conference that is expected to attract over 100 conference delegates made up of Managing Directors, CEO, Business owners, Business Development Managers, entrepreneurs and people who want to start their own businesses.

Also expected to visit the exhibition are a highly-targeted audience of over 3,000 business-minded individuals over the duration of the 3-day event.

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Paul Asinor, the Event Director, said, “If any country wants to develop its economy, the role of its small business sector is crucial. However, SMEs are often seen as a huge risk by officialdom; like the banks, because of various factors including lack of accounting records, proper business plans and poor management practices.

Business Sense 2012 is therefore designed to strengthen SMEs and equip them with the necessary tools to stimulate growth and productivity.”

“Business Sense 2012 conference will provide delegates with practical solutions to some of these SME problems, as well as teach them how to maximize the use of modern technology such as the internet and mobile phone solutions, to increase productivity and efficiency.

Local and international experts from key business areas have been invited to share knowledge and network with the leaders in Ghana’s private sector, highlighted in a special SME Finance Day set aside for small business owners to meet banks. Venture capitalists, micro finance organizations, etc as a key highlight of the event.”

Notable speakers addressing this conference include Ekow Afedzie (Deputy Managing Director, Ghana Stock Exchange); Shika Acolatse (Country Director, Enablis); Kwamina Amoasi Andoh (Programme Manager, SCORE-an ILO supported project supporting SMEs); Kayode Safianu (CEO, Balanced Scorecard West Africa) and Dr Daniel Quaye (lecturer, University of Ghana Business School and developer of award winning “Write your own Business Plan” CD.

Other speakers are Samuel Adetola (Founder and CEO, Capital Group), Douglas Oppong (Founder and MD, Angel Finance UK) and officials from reputable institutions including UT Bank, MASLOC, DANIDA, Ghana Venture Capital Trust Fund, MSME Department of the Ministry of Trade, Ghana Private Sector Development Facility and many more.

There will be 1-on-1 Business Clinics, speed networking and a VIP Cocktail as part of Business Sense 2012. Delegates will receive free CDs on writing business plans, accounting software and an SME Tool Kit from the MSME Project of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The Business Sense 2012 exhibition, which runs alongside the conference, is a platform for companies to showcase their goods and services to a highly targeted audience in a professional environment and also a unique opportunity for exhibitors to meet potential investors.

Some registered exhibitors are Javon Effects, Krispat Ear Centre, Afrikan Aurora Business Network, Agrata Natural Health Clinic, NoLimit Technologies, Virtual Security Africa Ltd, Niya Foods, Living Image Innovations, Corporate Records, Virtual Office Ghana, etc.

“Exhibitors will have the opportunity to launch their new products and services whilst building new sales leads. There are not many exhibitions in Ghana where business is conducted in business-like atmosphere like Business Sense. Imagine over 3,000 potential clients walking through your front desk over 3 days, ready to do business with you! That is what Business Sense 2012 is all about.” he added.

Business Sense 2012 is sponsored by UT Bank, Nyani and Co (a document imaging solution provider) with Ghana Business and Finance magazine, Ghanaweb and Textgenesys as media partners.

According to Rami Baitie, Group Head, Corporate Affairs and Marketing, UT Bank, sponsor of Business Sense 2012, "UT is very pleased to be a part of the 2nd Ghana SME Expo. Because we started out as an SME ourselves, we have a unique insight into the problems and obstacles that lie in the path of an SME, both as a start-up and an established business. By sponsoring the EXPO, we hope to gain exposure to even more SMEs and bring our expertise to bear on their businesses. With more funds becoming available, this is a particularly good time for SMEs to experience a taste of the UT way of banking.”

For more information on Business Sense 2012 visit the event website http://businesssensegh.com or please email paul@omlafrica.com or call 0206367515 or 0545302854**