Stanbic Bank incubator holds SME Clinic in Accra to empower business owners

Stanbic Bank Ghana, through its Business Incubator, has organized another impactful SME Clinic in Accra to equip business owners with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their digital presence, strengthen operational efficiency, and improve people management practices.

The annual SME Clinic, a flagship initiative of the Stanbic Incubator, brought together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry experts to build stronger, smarter, and more resilient Ghanaian businesses.

Benedict Kwasi Obeng, Head of Business Development and Origination, delivered the opening address on behalf of the Head, Business and Commercial Banking, Dinah Kaleo-Bioh at Stanbic Bank Ghana by reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), describing them as the “heartbeat of Ghana’s economy.” Mr. Obeng noted that SMEs make up about 92 percent of registered businesses in Ghana, contributing significantly to job creation and national development.

“Our goal at Stanbic is to see Ghanaian businesses grow, thrive, and compete on both local and international fronts. When SMEs succeed, the entire economy benefits. That’s why we are intentional about creating spaces like this to share knowledge and practical tools that foster sustainable growth,” he stated.

This year’s clinic featured a rich line-up of sessions designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges faced by SMEs. From mastering digital strategies to optimizing business operations and workforce planning, participants were taken through an engaging mix of expert-led discussions and interactive activities.

Mark Kumordzi, People and Culture, Business Partner at Stanbic Bank Ghana, led a session on workplace culture and people management, highlighting the strategic importance of workforce planning. He explained that understanding operational capacity and anticipating business demand were key to building efficient teams.

“People are the engine of every business. It’s crucial for SMEs to align the right people with the right roles, whether permanent, temporary, or seasonal. This balance helps maintain productivity while ensuring customer satisfaction,” Mr. Kumordzi advised.

The session on marketing & digital presence was facilitated by Dr. Boahemaa Ntim, CEO of Blacksmith Africa Consulting, who stressed the power of digital visibility in today’s business landscape. She urged entrepreneurs to be deliberate about how they present their brands online.

“Visibility is now vital. Businesses must know their customers, engage them meaningfully, and make every digital interaction count. A strong online presence builds credibility, trust, and ultimately, growth,” she noted.

Addressing participants on operational efficiency, Stephenia Amponsah, Business Advisory Centre Head, Accra at Ghana Enterprises Agency described it as the “backbone of every thriving business.” She underscored the importance of setting clear work standards, maintaining quality control, and strengthening supply chain systems.

In her closing remarks, Gloria Bempong, Head of Enterprise Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana, commended the participants for their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the session. She encouraged them forge meaningful connections and building lasting networks. “Today’s clinic was not just about learning, it was about unlocking potential, sharing experiences, and building connections that will continue to shape the future of your businesses,” she said

Speaking in an interview after the event, Hamza Mumuni, Manager of the Stanbic Business Incubator, expressed satisfaction with the impact of the Clinic and shared insights into its evolution. “This year’s edition was particularly unique because we focused on areas that our participants themselves identified as critical. The feedback has been phenomenal, and it’s fulfilling to see how our interventions are shaping real business outcomes,” he said.

Mr. Mumuni revealed that the Incubator has already held four SME Clinics in various regions across the country and will conclude the year with editions in Takoradi and Ho. “By the end of the year, we expect to have engaged close to 700 SMEs across six regions. It shows how far we’ve come and how much more we can do to strengthen Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” he added.

Participants described the session as inspiring and practical, with many pledging to implement the lessons learned. One business owner shared, “The discussions on digital marketing and people management have completely changed my perspective. I’m leaving here with a clear plan to rebrand my business and improve efficiency.”