Telecommunication Giant MTN Ghana, in partnership with Innohub, has awarded and empowered small and medium-scale entrepreneurs across the country, with a focus on women, youth, and differently-abled persons.
The SME Support Programme, first launched in 2022 as part of MTN Ghana’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, seeks to provide financial support alongside technical training to help entrepreneurs sustain and expand their businesses.
Speaking at this year’s awards ceremony, Robert Kuzoe of the MTN Foundation said the initiative reflects MTN’s commitment to inclusivity.
“We gathered here today to award these entrepreneurs. We have the women category, the youth who are doing their own thing, and then the differently abled also benefiting from this support. MTN is not leaving anybody behind.”
This year, MTN is disbursing two million Ghana cedis to beneficiaries. Out of 354 businesses assessed, 163 promising enterprises were shortlisted. Women-led businesses will receive 970,000 cedis, youth-led ventures 630,000 cedis, and differently-abled entrepreneurs 400,000 cedis.
The beneficiaries represent a diverse range of sectors, including shea butter processing, poultry farming, fish mongering, fashion design, creative arts, and other enterprises.
Beyond financial support, Innohub is providing beneficiaries with training in bookkeeping, financial planning, branding, and succession management. According to Innohub’s Chief of Staff, Mame Serwaa Amoakohene, the goal is to help small businesses become investor-ready.
“Sometimes you can get the money, but if you don’t know how to manage it, you mess it up. That’s why beyond funding, we focus on building capacity and helping entrepreneurs apply key principles that will make their businesses grow.”
This marks the third edition of the MTN SME Support Programme, which has so far empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs across the country.
Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku
