Who we’re looking for The Ventures – Have manufacturing or processing as a central pillar of their business model. – Are legally incorporated and duly licensed to operate in Ghana. – Have between 6 and 100 full time employees. – Have earned more than $100,000 in annual revenues within the past 3 years. – Have financial statements for at least one year within the past 3 years. The Owners/Entrepreneurs/CEOs or Leaders who… – Are willing to commit the time, information and effort required to participate in the program. – Are seeking to rapidly expand their business to serve other geographical areas. * Interested firms must demonstrate a viable business model, traction and growth potential, while addressing the needs of the country in diversifying its export basket and contributing to local employment and value addition.
Special areas of interest Our priority sectors include, but are not limited to: Agri-processing Light manufacturing Woodwork and furniture assembly Cleaning Products Essential oils, perfumery, cosmetics and toilet preparations Inorganic Chemicals Plastic materials (building materials, sheeting)
What to expect Technical and Managerial Assistance Our technical support will begin with a Gap Analysis, performed by a global consulting firm to determine issues that need to be addressed to make your business investment ready. Based on the results of the Gap Analysis, our consultants will work with you to develop an Intervention Plan to address the identified gaps within the shortest possible time. Once the Intervention Plan has been reviewed and approved, we will assemble the human and capital resources necessary to execute it. The Intervention Plan for each SME will be unique and tailored to fill specific needs of the company. We will also hold periodic group events to enable participating SMEs leverage the network effect of the cohort, and to share lessons and best practices. Inspirational Mentorship Throughout the program, each SME will be assigned a high-profile mentor. These mentors will be senior, accomplished and well-connected business magnates who can bring both their experience and network to bear in promoting your business interests. Mentors will be able to mediate complex corporate and political issues that may arise during the expansion stage of your company and be able to open the doors necessary to facilitate regional and global business transactions. Hands-on Coaching by CXOs As the role of your mentor is more inspirational and influential, we will also provide business coaches who will take on roles within your business. Our coaches are seasoned mid-career functional experts, such as logistics managers, marketing managers, production managers, etc of highly successful companies. Coaches will share practical knowledge, work templates, standard operating procedures and proven business strategies with your management team. Where your organization lacks but urgently needs a top executive such as a CFO or COO we will provide you with one for the duration of the program. Investment Readiness Certification A key highlight of the ACET Business Transform is our investment readiness framework, with which we will evaluate and certify your business upon your successful completion of the program. This certification will act as a mark of quality to assure investors that your business has fulfilled key requirements and is thus certified “investment-ready”. With this certification, potential investors can reasonably know what to expect from your company as an investment prospect. Financial Support Our research has shown that during the acceleration stage, SMEs often lack financial resources to implement some recommendations of technical assistance providers. The ACET Business Transform differentiates itself in such cases, by funding the implementation of technical recommendations that are deemed necessary to make your business investment ready. Our direct financial support will cover essential spending such as: Business travel Marketing costs Equipment and hardware purchases not exceeding $50,000 Other approved essential expenses In all instances, our mode of delivering all above-mentioned interventions will be bespoke and tailored to the unique needs of each SME.