Nana Esi Idun-Arkhurst speaking at the Women In Dialogue Series
Fidelity Bank Ghana has held the Women in Business Dialogue Series reaffirming its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.
Divisional Director, Retail & Business Banking at Fidelity Bank, Nana Esi Idun-Arkhurst, speaking at the event emphasised the importance of cultivating investor-ready businesses and Fidelity’s commitment to offering the resources and support they need to succeed.
The event was under the theme, “Investing in Women-Owned Businesses for Ghana’s Transformation Agenda: A Call for Action.”
During a panel discussion, Ms. Idun-Arkhurst emphasised the importance of women-owned businesses being investor-ready and credit-worthy.
She highlighted the significance of strong financial practices, urging women entrepreneurs to develop disciplined habits from the inception of a business, regardless of its formality.
“Immediate documentation of business activities is crucial to establish credibility and trust with stakeholders,” she advised. “Whether seeking credit, equity, or grants, investors want to see tangible evidence of the business’s prospects and financial viability,” she said.
Ms. Idun-Arkhurst noted that financial investment was not always the first step. She encouraged women entrepreneurs to focus on establishing a strong market presence and product quality.
She further stressed the importance of understanding market dynamics and meeting international standards for export-oriented businesses.
She shared insights from Fidelity Bank’s initiatives, such as the Export Club in collaboration with the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters, aimed at supporting businesses in meeting global standards and expanding market access.
Ms. Idun-Arkhurst encouraged them to take advantage of available resources and capacity-building programs by the bank that provide valuable knowledge and skills beyond just financial support.
“This is our time as women entrepreneurs,” she declared. “The business landscape has evolved. Embrace technology, leverage available resources, and confidently take advantage of the vast opportunities that exist.”
By Samuel Boadi