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‘Growing SMEs’ is a premium international conference geared towards SME growth. The conference brings together high growth entrepreneurs and experts in the topics of developing, growing and financing SMEs. Its aim is to facilitate knowledge exchange, networking and learning, hence further paving the way for advanced SME development and therefore economic growth.
After 6 successful editions, the next Growing SMEs will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, the 17th and 18th of May 2012. This unique platform will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, leaders and experts to explore and activate the SME sector development in Africa and beyond. 400+ participants will join to CONNECT with local and international networks of entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders, EXCHANGE expertise, best practices and lessons learned, and accelerate INVESTment in high-growth SMEs.
A 2-day Conference
Kigali, Rwanda | 17- 18 May, 2012
Day one: the Forum
The Growing SMEs forum gathers well-known experts to exchange knowledge, ideas and latest trends in SME growth and finance.
All participants take part in presentations by national and international specialists, breakout sessions, workshops, panel discussions with entrepreneurs, financiers and experts.
The particularities and the opportunities of Eastern Africa and host country Rwanda will be highlighted.
| Time | Format | Session |
|---|---|---|
| colspan=10 | Plenary Overview | Welcome |
| Opening Address | Sketching the Reality of Entrepreneurs and Access to Finance | |
| Keynote Dialogue | Public Measures to Increase Access to Finance | |
| Keynote Address | Practical SME Finance: Focus on Risk Capital | Focus Sessions: SME Risk Capital | Non Collateral Based Lending |
| Morning | Focus Sessions: SME Risk Capital | Convertible Debt and Equity |
| Focus Sessions: SME Risk Capital | Revenue Based Finance | |
| Focus Sessions: SME Risk Capital | Value Chain Financing | |
| Focus Sessions: SME Risk Capital | Bank Financing Reinvented? | |
| Keynote Dialogue | Entrepreneurs on speak out receiving Finance | |
| Keynote Dialogue | Entrepreneurs on speak out receiving Finance |
Day two: the Marketplace
Over 20 pre-selected and trained high growth entrepreneurs from emerging markets including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Liberia, Kosovo and Palestine will be invited to network and present their companies to investors and peers.
New and existing investors from the region, the continent and abroad will have the opportunity to meet promising entrepreneurs, and to network with other like-minded regional and international financiers.
