FirstBank Ghana has launched its 2024 SME Fair at the Atomic Junction Branch, creating an invaluable opportunity for local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to exhibit their products and services.
This fair demonstrates FirstBank Ghana’s strong commitment to the SME sector, a key driver of economic growth in Ghana. By fostering visibility and growth for small businesses, the bank aims to empower local entrepreneurs, facilitating their contributions to national economic development.
The SME Fair will occur in two phases. The first part runs up to November 1, 2024 at the Atomic Junction Branch, while the second part, scheduled from November 4 to November 8, 2024 will take place at four additional branches: Santa Maria, Dansoman, Spintex 1, and Tema Community 1. Through these events, FirstBank Ghana is providing a platform that allows SMEs to exhibit their products, forge valuable connections, and explore partnership opportunities across a range of industries.
The FirstBank SME Fair offers participants a unique venue to display and sell their products, engage in discussions, and inspire collaborations among fellow entrepreneurs. This supportive environment aims to bring local businesses together, creating connections and encouraging innovation within the SME ecosystem. For many businesses, such exposure is a gateway to expanding their market reach and building sustainable business networks.
Beyond providing an exhibition space, the fair includes tailored business advisory services and training sessions. Recognizing the financial challenges SMEs face, such as access to capital, financial management, and strategies for market expansion, FirstBank has designed these sessions to address the practical needs of SMEs. Entrepreneurs will have access to one-on-one consultations with experienced advisors who can provide insights on effective financial planning, growth strategies, and risk management.
Supporting SMEs Through Comprehensive Resources
Commenting on the SME Fair, Mr. Victor Yaw Asante, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FirstBank Ghana, emphasized the bank’s role as a catalyst for SME growth. “Our SME Fair exemplifies FirstBank Ghana’s dedication to supporting the growth and success of Ghanaian SMEs,” said Mr. Asante.
“At FirstBank, we understand the essential role SMEs play in our economy, and by giving them this platform, we are creating opportunities for visibility, networking, and skill-building that drive economic growth. As a Bank, we are committed to supporting local businesses not just with financial products but as a reliable partner in their journey to success.”
Mr. Victor Yaw Asante
This dedication is evident in FirstBank’s holistic SME support offerings. Beyond the fair, the bank provides financing solutions tailored to the unique needs of SMEs and offers educational resources designed to improve business acumen. These initiatives reflect the bank’s strategy to enable local businesses to overcome growth barriers and succeed in Ghana’s competitive market.
A Key Partner in the YouStart Program
In addition to organizing the SME Fair, FirstBank Ghana has taken on a strategic role as a selected partner for the Ghanaian government’s YouStart program. This initiative seeks to bolster Ghana’s SME ecosystem by providing entrepreneurs with access to finance, capacity building, market access, and comprehensive business support services. FirstBank’s involvement in YouStart highlights its commitment to fostering entrepreneurial development and job creation in alignment with Ghana’s economic empowerment goals.
Mr. Asante commented on FirstBank’s involvement in the YouStart program, explaining its role in the YouStart program reaffirms our commitment to empowering SMEs with the tools they need to thrive.
“Through this program and our own offerings, FirstBank is 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 realize their full potential.”
Mr. Victor Yaw Asante
FirstBank Ghana’s SME initiatives reflect its vision for a prosperous future for Ghanaian businesses. Through both the SME Fair and the YouStart partnership, the bank is helping SMEs become more resilient, competitive, and capable of adapting to the dynamic demands of the market. With these comprehensive resources, FirstBank Ghana reaffirms its dedication to building an economically inclusive environment where small businesses can thrive and contribute to national development.
Entrepreneurs and the public are encouraged to attend the fair, engage with the resources available, and join FirstBank in its mission to drive growth and opportunity for all. As part of the First Bank Group of Nigeria Limited, which celebrates its 130th anniversary this year, FirstBank Ghana leverages over a century of banking expertise to support economic growth across multiple countries, including the UK, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Senegal.
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