Stanbic Bank Ghana has called on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to shift from survival-driven operations to structured business practices in order to unlock sustainable growth and long-term resilience.
The call was made during the bank’s 2026 SME Clinic held in Tamale under the theme “From Survival to Scale: Building SMEs that Endure.”
The two-day programme brought together entrepreneurs, business development experts and institutional partners to equip participants with practical tools to strengthen their operations.
Delivering the opening remarks, Head of Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Dinah Kaleo-Bioh, underscored that although Ghanaian entrepreneurs demonstrate strong resilience and innovation, many businesses remained constrained by weak internal systems and limited access to relevant knowledge.
“Tamale continues to remind us why enterprise development must be intentional, practical and locally grounded,” she noted.
“We see businesses deeply connected to real economic activity—agriculture, trade and logistics—but often constrained by structure, systems and access to support.”
She stressed that SMEs remain the backbone of Ghana’s economy, accounting for over 90 percent of businesses, contributing approximately 70 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and providing nearly 85 percent of employment.
Despite their importance, she observed that many operate informally and struggle to scale.
“Our theme is not just relevant; it is necessary. Growth begins when we move from doing things the usual way to doing things the right way,” she added.
The SME Clinic forms part of Stanbic Bank’s “Beyond Banking” agenda, an initiative aimed at supporting businesses not only with financing but also by strengthening their operational fundamentals.
According to the bank, the programme is designed to help SMEs build enterprises capable of competing effectively and contributing meaningfully to both regional and national economic development.
The clinic was organised in partnership with KPMG and the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), both of which played key roles in facilitating sessions focused on enterprise development.
The programme also recorded strong participation from members of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) Women in Business (WIB) network, highlighting growing efforts among women-led enterprises to deepen their capabilities.
Participants received guidance on key areas including enterprise positioning, financial management and the development of robust operational systems.
Facilitators emphasised that mastery of these fundamentals is critical in determining whether businesses remain small or successfully transition into scalable ventures.
Head of Enterprise Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Gloria Bempong, used the platform to outline the bank’s Enterprise Banking Proposition, stressing the importance of tailored financial and advisory services in supporting SMEs.
She highlighted the role of the Enterprise Banking Desk in delivering solutions beyond traditional banking, including customised business accounts, transactional and cash management services, access to financing, digital banking solutions and dedicated advisory support.
In her closing remarks, Head of Business Development, Safoa Appietu-Ankrah, emphasised that many business failures were not triggered by external shocks but by internal weaknesses that develop over time.
“One truth stands out: SMEs do not fail suddenly; they fail structurally over time. Sustainable businesses are built on systems, not just effort,” she said.
She noted that the clinic was deliberately designed to provide practical, hands-on learning through real-life case studies and actionable strategies that participants could immediately implement.
“Understanding your numbers is critical for survival and scale. A clearly defined value proposition and strong operational systems are what make businesses competitive and sustainable,” she added.
Appietu-Ankrah also highlighted the importance of the Stanbic Business Incubator, which supports SMEs to formalise operations, strengthen internal structures and improve access to financing and markets.
“We are here to stand in the gap and help businesses become more structured, more bankable and ultimately more sustainable,” she stated.
Participants were encouraged to take concrete steps following the clinic, including formalising business processes, improving financial record-keeping and leveraging available institutional support.
“Knowledge only becomes power when it is put into action. As you leave here, carry not just knowledge but decisions that will move your business from survival to scale,” Appietu-Ankrah urged.
Stanbic Bank indicated that its continued engagement in Tamale reflects a broader commitment to regional economic inclusion, recognising the city’s rising importance as a commercial hub in northern Ghana.
Participants described the clinic as both practical and inspiring, with many pledging to implement the lessons learned to strengthen and grow their businesses.
Source: businesspostonline
