450 MSMEs, start-ups receive grants
Some 450 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and emerging start-ups have received grants from the government.
At the Grant Award signing and orientation ceremony, cheques were presented to beneficiaries present.
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI), Ministry of Finance (MoF), and National Entrepreneurship Innovation Programme (NEIP) are spearheading the initiative.
Empowering entrepreneurs and creating jobs
This initiative aims to empower Ghanaian entrepreneurs and create jobs by advancing business skills, enhancing capacity, and fostering economic growth.
Recipients of grants under the YouStart Ghana Jobs and Skills Project (GJSP) and the Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GETP) were selected through a rigorous competitive process. This selection highlights the dedication to supporting both start-ups and existing MSMEs, assessing their potential for innovation, sustainability, growth, and job creation.
The selected enterprises span a diverse range of industries, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit inherent in Ghana.
Ceremony attendance and govt commitment
Chief of Staff Frema Osei-Opare, Minister for Finance and Economic Planning Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of Trade and Industry K.T. Hammond, Mrs. Kosi Yankey-Ayeh CEO of GEA, and Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, CEO of NEIP, along with representatives from various Government Ministries, World Bank delegates, development partners, trade associations, and community leaders attended the signing ceremony.
Support for start-ups and established businesses
This competitive grant program underscores the Government’s commitment to creating jobs by providing essential resources, including funding and support mechanisms, to ensure the success of the selected start-ups and established businesses.
30,000 trained since 2021
Since September 2021, over 30,000 emerging businesses have undergone extensive training.
Between September 2021 and June 2024, government, through the Ghana Enterprises Agency, has disbursed more than GH₵100 million in grants, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can thrive.
Collaborative efforts and impact
The collaborative efforts between government entities, the private sector, and esteemed partners, including the World Bank, have been crucial to the success of these initiatives.
The impact extends beyond financial support, representing a significant investment in the potential of Ghanaian citizens.
By combining funding with tailored training, mentorship, coaching, and monitoring, the government is creating an ecosystem where entrepreneurship and innovation can thrive, driving Ghana toward sustained economic growth and prosperity.
Inclusive development and support for PwDs
Notably, the government’s commitment to supporting Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) as the first of its kind globally to empower PwDs further underscores its dedication to inclusive development.
As the nation celebrates this historic Grant Award Signing and Orientation Ceremony, it reaffirms its commitment to creating ample economic opportunities, reducing social challenges, and inspiring youth toward a more prosperous future.
Future outlook
This collective effort reflects Ghana’s dedication to inclusive and sustainable development, aligning with global progress and equity goals. The Ghana Enterprises Agency remains committed to supporting and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Ghana’s economic transformation.
