The MTN Ghana Foundation has announced an increase in the number of participants for its SME Support Programme, which now includes 150 entrepreneurs backed by a fund of GH¢2 million.
The Foundation marked the second anniversary of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Support Programme at a gathering in Koforidua, Eastern Region, attended by 50 entrepreneurs. Partnering with the Innohub Foundation, this programme aims to empower small businesses and contribute to a sustainable future for local communities.
Designed to support women, youth, and persons with disabilities, the initiative offers training, mentorship, and financial support, equipping participants with both traditional and digital trade skills.
Madam Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, MTN Ghana’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, highlighted the programme’s progress. In 2023, it provided GH¢1 million in seed capital to over 100 entrepreneurs engaged in various trades such as gari and oil palm processing, bead making, and animal farming. She noted that the programme had significantly impacted these individuals, enabling them to train others and reducing their financial reliance on families and society.
This year, with the increased support, 150 entrepreneurs from the Eastern, Volta, and Central Regions were selected for the programme.
Madam Wiafe assured participants, “To support the growth and progress of your businesses, we will continue to monitor, evaluate, and guide you where needed.”
Welcoming the 2024 cohort, Innohub Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr. Nelson Amo, acknowledged the challenges of entrepreneurship but emphasized its rewards, saying, “The journey of entrepreneurship is tough but filled with opportunities to learn, innovate, and make a meaningful impact.” He also noted that businesses under the SME Support Programme saw a revenue increase from GH¢7.6 million in 2022 to GH¢11.5 million in 2023.
He added, “This programme is about transforming lives, not just numbers. Each figure tells the story of an entrepreneur overcoming challenges and making a difference.”
Source: MyABCLive.com (sourced from GNA.com)
