NBSSI to receive applications for GHS600m stimulus package via online portal

The National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), says it will soon launch a portal that will allow Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, to apply for the government’s 600 million cedis stimulus package.

As part of measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs, the President set aside 600 million cedis to help small businesses.

Speaking at the Information Ministry’s COVID-19 press briefing, the Executive Director of the NBSSI, Kosi Yankey, said the electronic platform will make the application process more transparent and convenient.

“In order to make this more efficient and transparent, the team and the board decided to work on technology portal where applications can be processed and where application will go to”

Madam Yankey explained that businesses in the informal sector that do not have access to technology will also be engaged on a different platform to help all struggling SMEs.

“Some of the businesses in some districts across the country who do not have access to technology will not be left out. We do not want to leave out any SME,” she said.

She stated that the portal is being checked to make sure it is robust enough to withstand the pressure that may come as a result of online traffic.

“In the past few weeks; we have been working on the portal to make sure it is the right one for our board to approve,” she said, assuring that it will be ready for use by end of the month.

Madam Yankey said some two hundred companies within the SMEs sector will benefit from the package.

The Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP) was proposed by government to effectively manage social and economic recovery in Ghana as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.