Access Bank, UNIDO WACOMP, and Deloitte Ghana collaborate to empower over 400 SMEs in Kumasi at 3rd 'Business Interaction Series’

Access Bank Ghana Plc, UNIDO WACOMP, and Deloitte Ghana earlier this month joined forces to equip Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Kumasi with essential industry knowledge and skills, aimed at bolstering their businesses and propelling the nation’s economy.

This collaborative effort marks the third edition of the ‘Business Interaction Series’ facilitated through this partnership. Since its inception, this initiative along with other tailored interventions aimed at fostering SME growth, has positively impacted over 170,000 SMEs nationwide, solidifying its reputation as a catalyst for economic growth.

Based on the success of previous editions, the Access Bank-Deloitte team is extending the reach of the Business Interaction series to other regions across the country, furthering its commitment to supporting SME development.

Olumide Olatunji, Managing Director of Access Bank Ghana Plc, underscored the pivotal role SMEs play in the nation’s economy. He emphasized that "at Access Bank, we love SMEs and we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to empowering them to be resilient." Mr. Olatunji highlighted the bank's longstanding dedication to nurturing SMEs, citing initiatives such as providing collateral-free funds, SME Clinics & fairs, access to markets, and capacity-building workshops, amongst others. He noted the Business Interaction Series as yet another avenue to deliver value to SMEs.

Facilitated by Kwabena Antwi Situ, Partner at Deloitte Assurance Business, the event provided SME owners with essential business survival strategies, encompassing tax compliance, business registration, annual returns filing, budgeting, business planning and investment for growth. Kwabena emphasized integration of sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into business operations along with the importance of customer care, effective marketing, business insurance, and pricing strategies for SME sustainability.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership and the expansion of the SME ‘Business Interaction Series’, Kafui Bimpe, Group Head of Business Banking at Access Bank Ghana Plc, emphasized the commitment of Access Bank, Deloitte and UNIDO WACOMP to supporting businesses within the Ghanaian business landscape.

He emphasized the shared commitment to empower Trade Associations and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across pivotal business hubs within our nation.

"In our rapidly evolving business climate, collaboration and knowledge sharing with varied stakeholders along the business value chain are crucial," Kafui added. That is precisely what this interaction series offers SMEs – the opportunity to exchange ideas and engage in meaningful conversations, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in their respective industries."

The Access Bank-Deloitte SME Business Interaction Series is an initiative curated to provide Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana with relevant skills and tools to scale up their businesses.

Operating from 18 countries across Africa, Asia and Europe including the UK, France, China, India, Dubai, Lebanon and Hong Kong with over 700 branches and service outlets, Access Bank continues to build long-term relationships with customers based on trust, digital innovation, and good customer service.

The Bank has developed a deep understanding of its customers over the years, delivering excellent services and empowering them to achieve more through financial education.