GRANT AWARD SIGNING AND ORIENTATION CEREMONY TO PROPEL GHANAIAN YOUTH AND ENTREPRENEURS INTO ECONOMIC PROSPERITYAccra, Greater Accra Region – 4th August, 2024 – The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), Ministry of Finance (MOF), National Entrepreneurship Innovation Programme (NEIP), and other key stakeholders in youth development are pleased to announce the Grant Award Signing and Orientation Ceremony. This event will support 450 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and emerging start-ups across Ghana, aligning with the Government’s commitment to advancing business skills, enhancing capacity, and fostering economic growth. This landmark occasion marks a significant advancement in empowering Ghanaian entrepreneurs and creating jobs.The recipients of grants under the YouStart Ghana Jobs and Skills Project (GJSP) and the Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GETP) have been 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.The Grant Award Signing and Orientation Ceremony will take place at the Cedi Conference Hall, University of Ghana, Accra, on 6th August 2024 at 10:00 AM. Distinguished attendees will include H.E. the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, The Chief of Staff, Hon. Frema Osei-Opare, Hon. Mohammed Amin Adam (Minister for Finance and Economic Planning), Hon. K.T. Hammond (Minister of Trade and Industry), 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, grant beneficiaries, trade associations, and community leaders.This competitive grant programme 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.Since September 2021, over 30,000 emerging businesses have undergone extensive training. Between September 2021 and June 2024, the Government of Ghana, through the Ghana Enterprises Agency, has disbursed more than GHS 100 million in grants, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can thrive.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. 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. 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.

Akowuah Ebenezer Nimako August 12, 2024 in Business - 2 Minutes

About Ghana Enterprises Agency
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) is the apex governmental Agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) responsible for the promotion and development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Sector in Ghana.

GEA, formerly the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) was established by an Act of Parliament (Act 1043) in November 2020. The GEA Act 1043 was assented to in December 2020. The Act mandates GEA to Coordinate, Implement and Monitor the activities of the MSME Sector.

The long-term goal of GEA is to support the MSME Sector to maximise its contribution to the country’s economic and social development with respect to production, income distribution and employment as well as promoting a closer participation and integration of women and communities in rural areas into the national economy.

GEA provides Business Development Services (BDS) to MSMEs, facilitates access to credit and supports formalisation of the MSME Sector in Ghana in a decentralised manner mainly through the Business Advisory Centres (BACs) /Business Resource Centres (BRCs).

GEA has its Head Office located in Accra and operates sixteen (16) Regional Offices, two hundred and ten (210) District Offices known as Business Advisory Centres (BACs) and thirty-seven (37) Business Resource Centres spread across the country.