FirstBank Ghana launches SME Fair to empower local entrepreneurs

Business Desk Report Business News Oct - 31 - 2024 , 07:35

FirstBank Ghana has launched the 2024 edition of its SME Fair at its Atomic Junction Branch to create a platform for its Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) customers to showcase their products and services.

This initiative reinforces the bank’s commitment to empowering the SME sector, a critical driver of the country’s economic growth.

The SME Fair will be held in two phases, with the first part running from October 28 to November 1 at the Atomic Junction Branch, and the second part from November 4 to November 8 coming off simultaneously at the Santa Maria, Dansoman, Spintex 1 and Tema Community 1 branches.

The FirstBank SME Fair offers participating businesses a venue to exhibit and sell their products while also fostering networking opportunities.

Entrepreneurs and visitors alike will benefit from the collaborative atmosphere designed to facilitate connections, inspire partnerships and drive innovation among SMEs across various industries.

In addition to showcasing products, FirstBank Ghana has incorporated business advisory services and training sessions into the fair.

These sessions aim to address some of the financial challenges facing SMEs, including access to capital, financial management and market expansion.

Throughout the event, FirstBank’s experienced advisors will provide participants with personalised support to enhance their business strategies and equip them for sustainable growth.

Role of SMEs

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of FirstBank Ghana, Victor Yaw Asante, said, “Our SME Fair exemplifies FirstBank Ghana’s dedication to supporting the growth and success of Ghanaian SMEs”.

He said the bank understood the essential role SMEs played in the economy and by giving them the platform, “we are creating opportunities for visibility, networking and skill-building that drive economic growth.”

Mr Asante said the bank was committed to supporting local businesses not just with financial products but as a reliable partner in their journey to success.

YouStart

In addition to hosting the SME Fair, FirstBank Ghana has been selected as a partner for the Ghanaian government’s YouStart programme.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening Ghana’s SME ecosystem, providing entrepreneurs with essential resources, including access to finance, capacity building, market access and business support services.

The bank said its role in the YouStart programme reflected its longstanding dedication to advancing SME interests in the country and aligned with national goals for economic empowerment and job creation.

Mr Asante said FirstBank Ghana’s role in the YouStart programme reaffirmed its commitment to empowering SMEs with the tools they need to thrive.

Through the programme and the bank’s offerings, he said, FirstBank was providing entrepreneurs with financial tools, business advisory services and support tailored to their unique needs.

“We see ourselves not only as a bank but as a strategic partner, helping SMEs overcome growth barriers and realise their full potential,” the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FirstBank Ghana said.

“FirstBank Ghana’s comprehensive SME offerings include financing solutions customised for SME needs, as well as educational resources designed to strengthen business acumen and support sustainable growth.

These products and services are crafted to address challenges that are unique to the SME sector, ensuring FirstBank’s clients are equipped to succeed in today’s competitive market,” Mr Asante added.

He called on entrepreneurs and customers alike to attend the fair, take advantage of the resources provided and join FirstBank’s mission of fostering growth and opportunity for all.