In the next months, the SMEs, who make up the first batch of the five-year programme, will undergo technical training on how to manage their businesses, grow their market and become profitable.

The beneficiaries will also receive up to GHS10,000 financial assistance to expand their operations.

The MTN Ghana Foundation in partnership with Innohub launched the initiative in March this year to support SMEs owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to grow their business and create employment opportunities.

The Programme has targeted 500 beneficiaries in the next five years.
Speaking at a ceremony in Accra to announce the first batch of beneficiaries, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, Chief Cooperate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Ghana, said a total of 140 SMEs were selected as beneficiaries for the first year.

She said the Programme would offer financial assistance, training and technical support to the selected SMEs to grow their businesses and make positive impacts in their respective communities.

“This Programme is under the pillar of economic empowerment of the Foundation. We want to be able to empower people to grow businesses.

Mr. Nelson Amo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Innohub, expressed gratitude to MTN for the programme, adding that the initiative would unlock growth opportunities for SMEs and accelerate youth entrepreneurship.

He said about 5,000 jobs could be created at the end of the programme.
“I believe this Programme is creating business growth and shared prosperity. If at least 500 businesses are supported and five jobs are created by each of the 500 businesses, 5,000 jobs can be created to feed themselves and their families,” he said.

The MTN Enterprise Support Programme targets businesses within the agribusiness value chain, fashion, food processing, cosmetic production, fish processing, renewable energy and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).