GEA AND MASTERCARD FOUNDATION TRAIN LOCAL MSMEs ON FINANCIAL LITERACY AND BUSINESS GROWTH
In a major effort to strengthen small business operations and promote youth employment in the Ashaiman Municipality, the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has organized a two-day business capacity-building workshop for local entrepreneurs.
The programme, organized under the Business in a Box (BizBox) Project, the intensive training aimed to equip local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—focusing heavily on young entrepreneurs, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)—with essential tools to expand their businesses and manage their finances effectively.
The two-day initiative addressed common operational hurdles faced by growing enterprises, such as poor financial record-keeping, difficulty accessing formal capital, and challenges in reaching broader consumer markets.
The workshop’s first day focused on practical financial management. Participants received hands-on guidance on establishing simple bookkeeping systems, separating personal finances from business revenues, and analyzing cash flow to avoid common working capital traps. Trainers emphasized that maintaining clear financial records is crucial for unlocking formal credit, grant opportunities, and long-term business sustainability.
The second day focused on business growth, market access, and operational scaling. Facilitators introduced techniques for product branding, customer retention, and digital marketing. The participants were also educated on business formalization procedures, including regulatory compliance and registering products with relevant national regulatory authorities.
Speaking after the sessions, project officials reinforced that training alone is not the endpoint. Under the BizBox initiative, participants will receive ongoing support through GEA’s network of Business Advisory Centres (BACs) and Business Resource Centres (BRCs) nationwide, including post-training coaching, assistance with formal business registration, and pathways to startup kits for eligible ventures.
Participating entrepreneurs expressed optimism about applying the new tools to streamline operations, cut waste, and position their enterprises for sustainable growth. The programme took place in the office of the Complementary Education and approximately sixty (60) beneficiaries participated. The programme is still on going and interested business owners can contact the Ghana Enterprise Agency for registration and participation for free.
ASHMA/ISD/MEDIA/31ST AUGUST & 1ST SEPTEMBER 2026
