Experts on financing and investments share their insights with young entrepreneurs
Telecel Ghana concluded its annual Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Month celebrations with the Telecel Business Runway, a dynamic event designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical skills and visibility to grow their businesses.
Held at the Labadi Beach Hotel under the theme “Gen Z Impact: Skills, Money and Mindset,” the forum brought together emerging business founders, content creators, industry experts, and youth policymakers for a day of learning, discussions, networking, and product showcases.
Participants also benefited from free on-site services, including business registration by the Registrar General’s Department, tax orientation by the Ghana Revenue Authority, and a vendor market that highlighted innovative small businesses.
Opening the event, Telecel Ghana’s CEO, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, urged young entrepreneurs to embrace skills, money, and mindset as the foundation for sustainable growth.
“The mission for SME Month is to back young entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, visibility, and digital tools to grow. Skills, money, and mindset are the three essentials for business growth, and today is about giving you these tactics to apply right now,” she said.
The programme featured insights from leading entrepreneurs and business experts, including Sam Rodgers of Wild Fusion Ghana, who discussed content strategy for growth; content creator Kojo Junior, who spoke on authenticity and digital storytelling; and Jahzara Agyemang, CEO of JTE Business Consult, who guided attendees through grant opportunities.
Others, such as Innohub CEO Nelson Amo and Absa Bank’s Head of SME Banking, Edward Mawudem, focused on funding, investor expectations, and capital access.
Young entrepreneurs, including Baaba Ankrah of GOBA Kente and Joey Lit of Free the Youth, also shared candid stories about overcoming challenges, pivoting careers, and avoiding the pitfalls of comparison in business.
The government signaled its support through Mohammed Saani Adams, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to institutionalising SMEs as a key driver of Ghana’s economy.
Beyond panel discussions, Telecel unveiled three new SME-tailored products – the Boss Plan, One Business Mobile, and an enhanced Your Business Online service – aimed at helping small businesses stay connected, market themselves, and expand digitally.
Genevieve Dzifa Akpalu, founder of The AG Shop, said she was able to register her business on-site, gain clarity on tax obligations, and secure new customers from the vendor market.
“I’m leaving with a registered business, a roadmap to apply for grants, file taxes, and even new customers for my products. This is a great opportunity,” she said.
Now in its ninth year, SME Month has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, reflecting Telecel Ghana’s broader commitment to empowering small and medium enterprises with digital tools, connectivity, and access to opportunities.
A Business Desk Report