Women entrepreneurs across diverse business sectors from the Ashanti Region have been equipped with practical skills and knowledge to boost the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of their businesses.
This follows a three-day professional training workshop organised by the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Dr. Joseph Owusu, Project Coordinator of the ORTARChI at KNUST, explained that the training was carefully designed to provide women entrepreneurs with relevant, actionable tools to help them grow their businesses into multinational businesses.
He said, “The ORTARChI at KNUST seeks to strengthen the link between academia, industry, and government, particularly in the areas of applied research in technology entrepreneurship and career readiness. We also aim to promote postgraduate research and innovation in health, agriculture, and inclusive fintech entrepreneurship.”
Facilitated by a team of seasoned business experts including Dr. Tweneboah-Koduah, Ms. Gifty Afi Cudjoe, Mr. Richard Agyare, and Mr. Mohammed Maahi, the workshop covered key topics such as business communication and negotiation, contracting, time management, budgeting, and record keeping.
Five participants shared testimonials on how the training had shifted their perspectives and empowered them with actionable insights to implement in their businesses.
Stella Kwofie, founder of Drip Delight Culinary, said the programme gave her clarity and confidence to scale her business. “I have been empowered with a wide range of skills, ideas, and strategies to enhance my business. Now, I understand how to manage my budget, improve productivity, engage effectively with customers, and maintain proper records to track my growth,” she said.
Nancy Raquelle Agyapong, CEO of Raquelle Consult, highlighted how the training shaped her strategic direction. “I have learned that for my business to succeed, I must develop the seven critical functional areas: vision, strategy, governance, marketing, finance, sales, and operations. I will also apply the Hybrid Business Model Canvas to help me strategize and work toward my 10-year business vision,” she explained.
Nana Amma Konadu, founder of Shifrah Organics/THARSEO Global, expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained in formalising her operations. “In the past, I made business decisions informally, like budgeting and keeping records. But this training has helped me understand the importance of being consistent, accurate, and intentional about formal business practices.”
Miss Ama Frimpomaa Bimpong, CEO of House of Kotobre noted how essential the training is for young entrepreneurs. “Balancing all aspects of a business can be overwhelming. But thanks to ORTARChI, I have acquired skills in time management, drafting contracts, customer service, and more, which are tools I need to stay consistent and disciplined.”
Patricia Owusu Kwakyewa, founder of Maame Kay Enterprise, emphasized the importance of financial discipline. “As a caterer and baker, I learnt the need to avoid impulse buying and manage business funds wisely. I also now understand how to maintain strong customer relations by collecting feedback and staying engaged with clients.”
As part of the programme, participants toured the Kumasi Business Incubator (KBI) to explore opportunities for future collaboration and support. At the end of the workshop, participants were awarded Certificates of Honour for completing the training.
