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Nurturing Young Entrepreneurs: Apprentices In the Ga West Municipality Undergo Mindset and Entrepreneurship Training

10.Oct.2024

The Business Advisory Centre (BAC) and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) of the Ga West Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the MasterCard Foundation’s Business in Box Project, organized a two-day insightful Mindset and Entrepreneurship Training for apprentices on 3rd and 4th October, 2024.  The training, which took place at the Methodist Church and Pentecost Church in Amasaman for the two days, aimed at equipping young individuals from diverse trades with entrepreneurial skills and shaping their mindset towards business and innovation.

The training sought to reshape how these young apprentices view themselves and to enhance their ability to create opportunities for themselves and their communities. The Facilitator, Miss Eugenia Atidoh, introduced the concept of a growth mindset, emphasizing that success in business requires embracing challenges, learning from failure, and constantly seeking innovation. In another session, she highlighted on overcoming limiting beliefs by encouraging trainees to confront internal doubts and societal pressures that often hold them back from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams and to be self-motivated. This session was particularly impactful for many of the apprentices, who left with a renewed sense of confidence.

Miss Eugenia Atidoh also addressed how to transition from being an apprentice to starting one’s own business by taking participants through the necessary steps beginning with identifying a viable business idea based on their skillset. She further highlighted the importance of market research, knowing your target customers, and understanding competition. She then explained the process of creating a business plan, which acts as a roadmap for success. According to her, creating a business plan includes defining business goals, planning finances, and outlining marketing strategies. The training also sought to discussed the importance of perseverance and patience in business, as most ventures take time to stabilize and grow.

 

There was a session on financial literacy which provided practical insights into managing business finances which is a crucial skill for anyone starting a business. The facilitators explained the basics of budgeting, maintaining cash flow, and Marketing.

In the closing session, the trainees were taught the importance of self-assessment before starting a business. They were guided through a process of evaluating their strengths, weaknesses, passions, and readiness for entrepreneurship. According to Miss Eugenia Atidoh Self-assessment enables entrepreneurs to understand their capabilities and where they need further improvement or support before diving into business.

The two-day training was highly impactful, as it provided the apprentices with both the mindset transformation and the practical entrepreneurial skills they need to succeed. The collaboration between the BAC, YEA, GEA, and the MasterCard Foundation was instrumental in providing a comprehensive program that equips young people with the knowledge, resources, and connections necessary to thrive in entrepreneurship.

Participants expressed enthusiasm about the new insights gained, with many indicating plans to start or improve their businesses.

 

Source: Rachel Sarpong, GWMA ISD, GWMA

             Naomi Amoadzah, RTI, ISD, GWMA