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 May 31 to June 2, 2012. The 3-day event, which is being organized by OML Africa, makers of Accra International Motor Fair and sponsored by UT Bank, and Nyani and Co (a document imaging solution provider), is on the theme "Growing Sustainable Enterprises through Finance and Technology".

It is expected to attract over 50 exhibitors (made up of SMEs and large organizations supplying the small business market) while a delegates conference, to be organized alongside, is expected to attract over 100 delegates made up of managing directors, chief executive officers, 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.

Business Sense 2012 conference will provide delegates with practical solutions to some of the 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.

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. It is 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.

Notable among the speakers at the conference are 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.

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Paul Asinor, the Event Director, notes "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."

Mr Asinor said a special SME Finance Day had, therefore, been set aside for small business owners to meet banks, venture capitalists and micro finance organizations, among others.

Source: ISD (G.D. Zaney)

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