The Project Coordinator of the UESD Nkabom initiative, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, has called for the establishment of a sustainable network among trainees of the just-ended 10-day Certificate Programme in Entrepreneurship and Small-Scale Business Management held at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), campus Somanya., from 3rd to 18th of November.
Speaking at the closing ceremony at Lecture Hall 4, Prof. Wiafe Debrah, who also serves as the Prof. Vice-Chancellor of UESD, stressed that unity and collaboration among the trainees would strengthen their capacity and improve their prospects as emerging entrepreneurs. He stressed that such networks would not only provide peer support but also foster opportunities for partnerships and innovation.
Over the 10-day period, trainees from Somanya and its environs were taken through modules including Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Business Planning and Pitching, Business Model Development, Legal and Regulatory Compliance, as well as Growth, Innovation and Sustainability.
Prof. Wiafe Debrah urged the participants to “go and give testimony” by applying the knowledge and skills acquired from the workshop. He added that the collaborative is exploring avenues to link trainees with existing industries for mentorship and business development support.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Aaron Blagodzi expressed appreciation to the Mastercard Foundation, the UESD Nkabom Collaborative, and the resource persons for their dedication and impactful delivery. He described the training as a great opportunity that has enhanced their ability to manage small businesses sustainably and expressed hope for future sponsorship to scale their ventures.
The Project Lead for Entrepreneurship, Dr. Eunice Stella Nyarko, explained that the programme comprised six comprehensive modules designed to ensure that by the end of the training, participants would be able to evaluate entrepreneurial principles, conduct market analysis to identify unmet needs, design and present viable business models, develop and pitch comprehensive business plans, apply essential financial management skills, and implement effective marketing and branding strategies. She was delighted at the outcome of the training, particularly during the pitch period which she described as impressive.
Dr. Nyarko urged the participants to translate the competencies they have been trained in, to transform their businesses, lives and society at large.
The closing ceremony was attended by members of the Nkabom Collaborative, resource persons, and other dignitaries who commended the trainees for their commitment throughout the programme.