A new awards scheme to recognize excellence in the operations of Small and Medium Scale Entreprises in the country has been instituted.

The Ghana SME 100 Awards, initiated by brand activation and special events agency, Evoke Experiential Ghana Ltd, will be supported by providers of business advisory services, Deloitte Ghana.

To be held on August 30, 2014, Ghana’s top performing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), will be ranked according to their performance in a set criteria for the awards.

The organizers say the awards are “aimed to recognise excellence and help SMEs access capital as well as new markets.”

A statement issued in Accra said “Available data from the Registrar General’s Department indicates that 90% of companies registered in Ghana are micro small and medium enterprises which are playing a key role in the economy.”

The institution of the awards scheme, the organisers say is in recognition of the fact that “SMEs are the driving force behind employment generation, increased productivity, creation of new wealth as well as the distribution thereof.

“The Ghana SME 100 Awards seeks to identify Ghana’s top SMEs that are role models for the business community. The awards will create greater awareness and a national motivational psyche as well as market the capabilities of Ghana’s SMEs to global investors.”

William Adom, General Manager of Evoke Experiential Ghana, Ghana SME 100 winners will be an elite group with the privilege of global investment and fast-lane access to finance opportunities and opportunity to enhance company website with SEO (search engine optimisation) emphasis for global market. The awards will also serve as a mark of recognition of excellence for awardees’ companies.”

He encouraged SMEs to register their interest at Ghanasme100.com.

Applicants will be shortlisted based on financial and non-financial evaluation themes. The evaluation for Ghana SME 100 Awards will be done by Deloitte Ghana.