Click here to register for the conference, exhibitions, pitch competition or free attendance
Join us for the Second Edition of the SMEAZ SME Funding Symposium. This pinnacle event brings SMEs face-to-face with the key stakeholders in the SME funding and financial services ecosystem, including banks, MFIs, and long-term equity investors. Our theme for this year is “Bridging the gap” and our focus will be on closing the gap between financiers on the one end, and SMEs on the other.
Highlights
The SMEAZ SME Funding Symposium is a keynote event on the SMEs calendar that:
• Brings together all key stakeholders in the SME funding and financial services sector/industry, including:
o Banks
o MFIs
o Venture capital & private equity funds
o Institutional investors
• Creates a platform for greater understanding between and amongst industry players
• Enables SMEs to interface directly with providers of funding/services
• Comes up with resolutions on, as well as tracks implementation of measures to improve financial inclusion
• Provides a marketing platform for industry players
• Improves access to funding for marginalized groups such as youths, women and those living with disabilities
Key Information
Date: Friday 25 July 2025
Time: 0900hrs to 1700hrs
Venue: Motor Action Sports Club
Event Format
This year’s event features the following:
(Details on each of the features are available below. Click on the relevant heading to be taken to its details section)
- Conference: Get insights from our keynote speakers and panellists from the financial institutions and investors on funding opportunities, the conditions necessary for accessing them, and strategies for bridging the gap between financiers and SMEs.
- Exhibition: Meet providers of funding including banks, MFIs, and private equity firms and discuss one-on-one how you can get your business the funding it needs.
- Pitch Competition: Put your business idea or expansion plan in front of potential financiers and stand a chance to get funded.
Who Should Attend?
- SMEs (start-ups, small and medium-sized businesses)
- Entrepreneurs seeking funding opportunities for start-up and business expansion
- Banks, MFIs, and private equity funds
- Associations, clubs, and organizations for MSMEs
- Stakeholders with an interest in SME funding
Costs (US$):
| Early Bird (Before 30 June 2025) | Late Entry (Before 18 July 2025) | At the Door | ||
| Exhibition attendance | Free | Free | Free | |
| Conference attendance | 10 | 15 | 20 | |
| Pitch Competition (includes conference attendance) | ||||
| Start-up | 10 | - | - | |
| Small Enterprise | 20 | - | - | |
| Medium Enterprise | 30 | - | - | |
| Pitch Desk (SME) | 30 | 30 | ||
| Exhibitor stand - SME | 100 | 125 | - | |
| Exhibitor stand - MFI | 125 | 150 | - | |
| Exhibitor stand - Banks | 150 | 175 | - | |
Click here to register for the conference, exhibitions, pitch competition or free attendance
Marketing slots and sponsorship opportunities are also available. You can contact us for details.
Event Details
Conference
Attendees will gain valuable insights into accessing funding for growth, engage in interactive Q&A sessions, and participate in a panel discussion on effective funding strategies. Designed for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and stakeholders in the funding ecosystem, this symposium offers a unique opportunity to explore tailored funding options and network with industry leaders
Conference Format
Keynote Speaker 1: MFIs representative (to be advised)
Topic: The Role of Microfinance in SME funding and Growth
Panel Discussion:
- Three MFI representatives
- Three SME representatives
Q&A Session
Keynote Speaker 2: Banks representative (to be advised)
Topic: Accessing Mainstream Funding for Growth and Expansion
Panel Discussion:
- Three bank representatives
- Three SME representatives
Q&A Session
Keynote Speaker 3: Venture Capital/Private Equity/Alternative Investments representative
Topic: Has Venture Capital, Private Equity and alternative funding accelerated SME growth in Zimbabwe?
Panel Discussion
- Three investor representatives
- Three SME representatives
Q&A Session
Who Should Attend?
- Entrepreneurs seeking funding opportunities for start-up and growth
- Banks, MFIs, and private equity funds
- Alternative investment firms
- SMEs (start-ups, small and medium-sized businesses)
- Associations, clubs, and organizations for MSMEs
- Stakeholders with an interest in SME funding
Entry fees
Early Bird: USD 10 (before 30 June)
Regular: USD 15 (before 18 July)
At the Gate: USD 20
Click here to register for the conference, exhibitions, pitch competition or free attendance
Exhibition
Exhibition spaces and marketing slots are available for organizations looking for B2B linkages and also to connect with a dedicated audience eager to explore tailored funding options. Attendees will be SMEs spanning the range from start-ups, small and medium sized enterprises. Exhibitors will also be able to participate in the conference sessions as panelists, as well as in the Pitch Competition to find prospective funding ventures.
Other non-financial institutions including service providers to the SME funding providers are also welcome to participate and engage with the financiers who will be present. SMEs wanting to showcase themselves either to potential financiers or to attendees are also welcome.
Who Should Participate?
- Venture Capital & Private Equity investors
- Asset Managers (alternative investments)
- Banks’ SME departments
- Microfinance Banks
- MFIs
- SACCOS, ISALs and alternative financing vehicles
- NGOs, DFIs etc
- Service providers for the financial services industry
- Other interested exhibitors
Why Should you participate?
- Meet SMEs looking for your products
- Get an understanding of the dynamics within the SME funding ecosphere
- Participate in the conference (select exhibitors)
- Identify prospective investees in the Pitch Competition
- Meet other players including service providers for the financial services industry
- Showcase your solutions to prospective customers in the conference and at the exhibition stands.
Exhibition Charges (USD)
| Early Bird (Before 30 June 2025) | Regular (Between 1 July 2025 and 18 July 2025) | Late Entry (After 18 July 2025, subject to availability) |
SMEs | $100 | $125 | $150 |
MFI/Microfinance banks/SACCOs | $125 | $150 | $175 |
Financial Institutions | $150 | $175 | $200 |
Marketing Slot (10mins) | $100 | - |
Click here to register for the conference, exhibitions, pitch competition or free attendance
Pitch Competition
Are you a start-up, small or medium-sized enterprise looking to accelerate your business to the next level? We are inviting start-ups, small and medium sized businesses ready to showcase their operations and specific funding requirements in front of a panel of funders and industry experts to sign up!
This is a unique opportunity to gain financial support that can accelerate your growth!
Why Participate?
- Gain Exposure by presenting your business model and funding needs to potential investors and funders
- Receive Feedback from member consultants and funding experts to refine your business strategy.
- Network with fellow entrepreneurs and financiers and expand your business network.
- Exhibition Opportunity (Optional)
Participants who are interested in exhibiting can secure table space at the venue for just US$30. If you prefer a gazebo, additional charges will apply for that space
Eligibility
Open to growth-oriented start up, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
Application Fees:
- Startups: USD10
- Small Enterprises: USD 20
- Medium Enterprises: USD 30
Every applicant will receive feedback to help refine your business strategy. Other submissions will also be presented to financiers for their evaluation.
How to Register:
- Download the pitch summary template from here and prepare your pitch deck.
- Click on the link below and register. Upload your pitch summary on the relevant link.
Click here to register for the conference, exhibitions, pitch competition or free attendance