{"id":18961,"date":"2026-09-04T12:37:55","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T12:37:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/?p=18961"},"modified":"2026-09-04T15:39:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T15:39:18","slug":"applications-open-for-the-gnbcc-sme-support-desk-cohort-3-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/applications-open-for-the-gnbcc-sme-support-desk-cohort-3-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Applications Open for the GNBCC SME Support Desk, Cohort 3"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The programme goes beyond classroom training. Over a three-month period, participating businesses receive practical support to identify gaps, develop stronger systems and put them into practice in one of three areas: <strong>Human Resources, Marketing &amp; Communication, or Accounting<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building on Results from Previous Cohorts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first two cohorts recorded <strong><strong>an average improvement of 90%<\/strong><\/strong> in operational capabilities, with participating businesses putting what they learned directly into practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through the <strong>Marketing &amp; Communication Desk<\/strong>, two participating businesses secured a combined total of more than five major retail opportunities, while others established stronger brand identities and improved their social media presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants in the <strong>Accounting Desk<\/strong> moved from manual record-keeping to automated accounting systems, including QuickBooks, helping them gain better visibility and control over their finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the <strong>HR Desk<\/strong>, businesses introduced formal employment contracts and onboarding processes, contributing to fewer labour disputes and reduced employee turnover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Cohort 3 Works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Businesses can apply for one support desk based on their most pressing need: Human Resources, Marketing &amp; Communication, or Accounting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The programme begins with practical, in-person group training and can progress to tailored one-on-one implementation support, where businesses receive hands-on assistance to put new systems and processes to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Application deadline:<\/strong> 14 September 2026<br><strong>Programme starts:<\/strong> October 2026<br><strong>Apply:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/go.gnbcc.net\/SME-Desk\">go.gnbcc.net\/SME-Desk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want to hear directly from businesses that have been through the programme? <a href=\"https:\/\/lnkd.in\/dfsiUMwA\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Watch the Cohort 2 testimonials from 35:00<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":18857,"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":"yes","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-18961","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":18961,"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":14771,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/application-open-gnbcc-sme-support-desk-2nd-cohort\/","url_meta":{"origin":18961,"position":1},"title":"Application Open: GNBCC SME Support Desk (2nd Cohort)","author":"Michael Teye","date":"February 6, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"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.","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\/01\/Newsletter-Blog-Media.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Newsletter-Blog-Media.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Newsletter-Blog-Media.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Newsletter-Blog-Media.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Newsletter-Blog-Media.png?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":18961,"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":18961,"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":18961,"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":18961,"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\/08\/Thumbnail-Application-SME-Support-Desk-2026-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18961","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\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18961"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18961\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19073,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18961\/revisions\/19073"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18961"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18961"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18961"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}