CAPITALISE is an initiative by Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah to empower Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, particularly those championing innovative and client-driven solutions, with the necessary knowledge to navigate the complexities of the investment landscape and secure funding successfully.

​

This project will provide an in-depth overview of the lifespan of SMEs including the best options for setting up for various kinds of businesses, compliance and regulatory obligations, as applicable, legal documentation for various investment options, affordable investment options/products and several other relevant legal and commercial realities of doing business in Ghana.

​

Few SMEs pursue financing opportunities necessary to scale their business and even fewer meet the requirements of investors. Many SMEs have cited access to legal support and availability of affordable financing options as impediments to scaling their businesses. At the same time, funders and investors have indicated that many SMEs and their founders have a low appreciation of the peculiar requirements for financing and therefore do not meet the governance, legal or regulatory requirements for investment.

As legal advisers, some of the gaps we have identified in our dealings with SMEs include:

(a)inadequate knowledge of the financing opportunities available to SMEs;

(b)limited access to affordable financing options;

(c)lack of appreciation of governance and compliance expectations of investors;

(d)poor appreciation of ways in which adequate financing can scale an SME;

(e)low awareness of the legal and compliance requirements for companies in Ghana; and

(f)lack of understanding of the legal documentation for the various forms of financing.

​

​

​

In our CAPITALISE Project, selected businesses will join a cohort programme and engage in in-person events, virtual workshops, and get access to curated content to support critical decision-making over a 3-month period.

The in-person events will feature keynote speakers, resource personnel, and investor sessions. These interactive sessions will foster discussions and provide a comprehensive dialogue on capital-raising options, insights on improving corporate governance and investor readiness.

Our internal speakers will offer legal education on the implications and criteria for raising capital and key insights on corporate governance. The selection to join a cohort will involve pre-registration by the businesses, a review of the information submitted during the registration and selection.