{"id":14771,"date":"2026-02-06T12:31:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T12:31:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/?p=14771"},"modified":"2026-02-06T12:31:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T12:31:07","slug":"application-open-gnbcc-sme-support-desk-2nd-cohort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/application-open-gnbcc-sme-support-desk-2nd-cohort\/","title":{"rendered":"Application Open: GNBCC SME Support Desk (2nd Cohort)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GNBCC is pleased to announce the launch of the second cohort of the SME Support Desk, a subsidised, hands-on programme designed specifically for horticulture and cocoa-based SMEs seeking to formalise operations, strengthen internal systems, and position their businesses for sustainable growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why the SME Support Desk?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many SME owners are fully engaged in daily operations, leaving limited capacity to build the structures required for growth, compliance, and investment readiness. The GNBCC SME Support Desk goes beyond classroom training by offering practical implementation support, ensuring that businesses not only learn but apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Programme Structure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The programme is delivered in two structured phases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Phase 1: Group Training (March 2026)<\/strong><br>Participants will attend intensive in-person workshops focused on assessing and identifying gaps across key business functions. This phase lays the foundation for targeted support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Phase 2: Tailored Implementation Support (April \u2013 May 2026)<\/strong><br>Selected SMEs will receive one-on-one, customised support to implement systems aligned with their specific needs, while continuing to run their businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support Areas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants will be placed under one of three specialised desks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Marketing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accounting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human Resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each desk is led by experienced professionals who provide hands-on guidance throughout the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Eligibility &amp; Benefits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Participation is <strong>strictly limited to horticulture and cocoa-based SMEs<\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Graduates of the programme will also benefit from a <strong>50% discount on GNBCC SME Membership for one year<\/strong>, offering continued access to the Chamber\u2019s network and services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Apply<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Application Deadline:<\/strong> 9th February 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Application Link:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/xRqpPrcc8YbeV4kBA\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/forms.gle\/xRqpPrcc8YbeV4kBA<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SMEs interested in receiving practical, tailored support to strengthen their business foundations are encouraged to apply early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"14939\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/application-open-gnbcc-sme-support-desk-2nd-cohort\/sme-support-desk-2026\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,2560\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"SME Support Desk 2026\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-1024x1024.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14939\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SME-Support-Desk-2026-900x900.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The GNBCC is pleased to announce the launch of the second cohort of its SME Support Desk, a subsidised, hands-on programme designed specifically for horticulture and cocoa-based SMEs seeking to formalise operations, strengthen internal systems, and position their businesses for sustainable growth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14786,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[169],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14771","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sme-desk"],"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":18850,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/applications-open-for-the-gnbcc-sme-support-desk-cohort-3\/","url_meta":{"origin":14771,"position":0},"title":"Applications Open for the GNBCC SME Support Desk, Cohort 3","author":"Paul N.","date":"August 27, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Applications are now open for Cohort 3 of the GNBCC SME Support Desk. The programme supports entrepreneurs and SMEs in Ghana\u2019s horticulture and cocoa value chains to strengthen their business systems.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;SME Desk&quot;","block_context":{"text":"SME Desk","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/sme-desk\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Thumbnail-Application-SME-Support-Desk-2026-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Thumbnail-Application-SME-Support-Desk-2026-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Thumbnail-Application-SME-Support-Desk-2026-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Thumbnail-Application-SME-Support-Desk-2026-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Thumbnail-Application-SME-Support-Desk-2026-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":18961,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/applications-open-for-the-gnbcc-sme-support-desk-cohort-3-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":14771,"position":1},"title":"Applications Open for the GNBCC SME Support Desk, Cohort 3","author":"Paul N.","date":"September 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Applications are now open for Cohort 3 of the GNBCC SME Support Desk. The programme supports entrepreneurs and SMEs in Ghana\u2019s horticulture and cocoa value chains to strengthen their business systems.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;SME Desk&quot;","block_context":{"text":"SME Desk","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/sme-desk\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Thumbnail-Application-SME-Support-Desk-2026-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Thumbnail-Application-SME-Support-Desk-2026-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Thumbnail-Application-SME-Support-Desk-2026-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Thumbnail-Application-SME-Support-Desk-2026-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Thumbnail-Application-SME-Support-Desk-2026-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":17409,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/from-structure-to-scale-the-gnbcc-sme-support-desk-closing-workshop-advances-businesses-from-capacity-building-to-growth-and-export-readiness\/","url_meta":{"origin":14771,"position":2},"title":"From Structure to Scale: The GNBCC SME Support Desk Closing Workshop Advances Businesses from Capacity Building to Growth and Export Readiness","author":"Paul N.","date":"July 24, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The GNBCC successfully concluded its three-day SME Support Desk Closing Workshop, held from 21\u201323 July 2026 at the Airport View Hotel. Under the theme \u201cFrom Structure to Scale: Sustaining Growth and Export Readiness,\u201d the workshop brought together SME alumni for practical consultations, expert clinics and talent matchmaking, supporting businesses to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Events&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Events","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/events\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Newsletter-Blog-Media-17.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Newsletter-Blog-Media-17.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Newsletter-Blog-Media-17.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Newsletter-Blog-Media-17.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Newsletter-Blog-Media-17.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15389,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/the-gnbcc-sme-support-desk-cohort-2-completes-first-two-weeks-of-intensive-training\/","url_meta":{"origin":14771,"position":3},"title":"The GNBCC SME Support Desk Cohort 2 Completes First Two Weeks of Intensive Training","author":"Grace Agorigo","date":"March 13, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Following a successful pilot last year, the GNBCC has officially kicked off the second edition of its SME Support Desk. This cohort, which is strictly dedicated to SMEs within the Horticulture and Cocoa-producing sectors, has seen an expanded reach, moving from five companies in the pilot phase to doubling the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;SME Desk&quot;","block_context":{"text":"SME Desk","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/sme-desk\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mahama-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mahama-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mahama-1.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mahama-1.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mahama-1.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13193,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/sme-desk-first-cohort-kicks-off\/","url_meta":{"origin":14771,"position":4},"title":"SME Desk \u2013 First Cohort Kicks Off","author":"Tracy Mensah","date":"August 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Earlier this year, the Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council (GNBCC), under the Netherlands Embassy\u2019s Private Sector Development (PSD) Project, launched the SME Support Desk to provide practical, tailored support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana\u2019s horticulture and cocoa sectors.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;SME Desk&quot;","block_context":{"text":"SME Desk","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/sme-desk\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2025-08-15_0_SME_SUPPORT.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2025-08-15_0_SME_SUPPORT.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2025-08-15_0_SME_SUPPORT.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":17765,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wib-entrepreneurs-explore-how-to-build-high-performing-teams-for-growth\/","url_meta":{"origin":14771,"position":5},"title":"WIB Entrepreneurs Explore How to Build High-Performing Teams for Growth","author":"Paul N.","date":"July 30, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The Women in Business (WIB) 2026 mentorship cohort concluded its workshops with a session focused on building and managing high-performing teams for business growth. Led by HR Management Consultant and WIB mentee Isabella O. Esantsi, the session equipped entrepreneurs with practical insights on recruitment, delegation, performance management, HR compliance and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Women in Business&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Women in Business","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/wib\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Article12v2-7.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Article12v2-7.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Article12v2-7.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Article12v2-7.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Article12v2-7.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Newsletter-Blog-Media.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14771","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14771"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14771\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14941,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14771\/revisions\/14941"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14786"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14771"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14771"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14771"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}