The training, which will cover the three Northern regions, Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions, is part of the first phase of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP) Business Plan Competition under the auspices of the ministry.

The ministry has selected Private Sector Implementation Partner (PSIP), the African SME Organisation, for the NEIP which has in turn raked in the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), a leading international business school, to put together a curriculum and facilitators for the regional training of over 6,000 business applicants.

The training began in Accra on December 18, 2017, with 700 applicants receiving training in how to write compelling business plans.
Minister

A statement signed by the Minister Mr Ibrahim Awal, said “This was a successful first edition with very positive feedback from applicants. Subsequent training will be organised in Accra within the coming weeks for the remaining applicants in the Greater Accra Region.”

Northern zone The training for the Northern Region will be held at the Radach Lodge Conference Centre in Tamale on January 8, 2018 for all applicants within the Northern Region.

The Ashanti and Upper West regions will follow on January 10, 2018 at the KNUST CCB Auditorium in Kumasi and the GNAT Hall in Wa respectively.

The statement said the training in the Brong Ahafo and Upper East regions will begin on January 12, 2018 at the GNAT Halls in the various capitals, adding that all the training sessions would begin at 8 a.m.

Business assistance

The statement added that under the NEIP Business Plan Competition, businesses would be assisted on a four-tier small and medium enterprises (SMEs) support ecosystem. That includes advisory services, access to finance (seed capital, loans, equity) and access to market and policy (providing a conducive SME ecosystem).

“Applicants will be thoroughly trained in developing a world standard business plan and a sustainable business model which will equip them with enough knowledge to be able to run as independent businesses. Also, the curriculum will be available online for free download,” it stated.

The statement stressed the importance of adequate training for entrepreneurs, existing and nonexisting businesses, both traditional and innovation-driven enterprises to equip them with the required tools to be able to compete with world standards.

The training is, therefore, mandatory for all applicants in order to qualify for the next stage of the competition.