Become A Client
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner seeking to expand and conquer new markets? Whatever your aspirations may be, the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA)- your trusted partner in business development and growth stands ready to support you on your journey to success. Becoming a client of GEA opens the door to a world of opportunities, resources, and support tailored to meet your unique needs and propel your business forward. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the simple steps to becoming a client of GEA and unlocking the full potential of your entrepreneurial journey.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
Before you embark on your journey to become a GEA client, it's essential to gather the necessary documentation to streamline the registration process. You'll need:
Having these documents readily available will ensure a smooth and efficient registration experience.
Step 2: Visit a Business Advisory Centre (BAC) or Business Resource Centre(BRC)
GEA operates Business Advisory Centres (BACs) and Business Resource Centres (BRCs) in 264 districts across the country, serving as convenient access points for entrepreneurs seeking assistance and support. With your documents and a clear understanding of your business needs, it's time to visit any Business Advisory Centre (BAC) or Business Resource Centre (BRC) near your district to seek assistance.
Step 3: Engage with GEA Staff
At the BAC/BRC, you'll be welcomed by Business Advisors who are dedicated to helping you succeed. They will guide you through the registration process and assist you in completing any necessary forms, verify your documents, and provide information about the range of services and programs available to GEA clients.
Step 4: Complete the Registration Process
Once your documentation has been verified, and the registration fee has been paid, you'll officially become a client of GEA! Congratulations – you've taken the first step towards unlocking your business potential and achieving your entrepreneurial goals.
Step 5: Access GEA Services and Support
As a registered client of GEA, you'll gain access to a wide range of services and support programs designed to help you grow and succeed in business. Whether you need assistance with business planning, access to finance, market research, or capacity-building workshops, GEA has resources to support you every step of the way.
Step 6: Stay Connected and Engaged
Stay connected with GEA by attending workshops, seminars, and networking events organized by the Agency. These events provide valuable opportunities to learn from experts, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
Conclusion
Becoming a client of the Ghana Enterprises Agency is your passport to business success and prosperity. With GEA's support and guidance, you'll have the tools, resources, and knowledge you need to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Take the first step today and embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and success with GEA by your side.
Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), is the apex governmental body dedicated to the promotion and development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana, with sixteen (16) Regional Offices and Two Hundred and Ten (210) Business Advisory Centres (BACs) across the country, has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to implement the Business in a Box Project (BizBox). The Agency is contracting qualified and interested persons for appointment as District Coordinators in various districts.
BizBox District Coordinators JP NSPPs
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) is partnering with the Mastercard Foundation to implement the Business in a Box (BizBox) project and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for the Selection of Individual Consultants for the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA).
GEA now invites sealed Curriculum Vitae from eligible Qualified Consultants for the selection of consultants for the following Positions.
In the world of business, you often have just a few seconds to make a lasting impression. Whether you're at a networking event, pitching to investors, or simply introducing your business to a potential client, a well-crafted elevator pitch can be your secret weapon. It's a concise way to communicate what your business does and why it matters. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create an elevator pitch that leaves a memorable mark.
1. Start with a Hook
Every great elevator pitch begins with a hook – something that grabs your listener's attention right away. It could be a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a brief story that relates to your business. Imagine the listener's ears perking up as you utter those first words.
2. Clearly State Your Business Name and Purpose
After the hook, it's essential to immediately state your business name and its core purpose. Be brief and straightforward. For instance, "I'm the founder of [Ramies Couture], and we help [middle-class Ghanaians] to [dress their best without breaking the bank]." This establishes who you are and what you do right from the onset.
3. Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
To stand out, highlight your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). What makes your business different from the competition? Why should your listener be interested? Focus on the specific value you bring to your customers or clients. Your USP is your secret sauce.
4. Address the Problem You Solve
Clearly articulate the problem or pain point that your business addresses. This helps your listener understand the relevance of your business. It's about showing that you're not just offering a product or service; you're providing a solution to a real problem.
5. Describe Your Target Audience
Mention the specific demographic or group of people your business serves. This personalizes your pitch and helps the listener relate. Knowing your audience is essential, and communicating that knowledge can make a significant difference.
6. Share a Success Story or Impactful Result
Stories are memorable. Provide a brief example or story that illustrates how your business has positively impacted a customer or client. This adds credibility and paints a vivid picture of the value you deliver. People remember stories far better than facts and figures.
7. Keep It Concise
A great elevator pitch is concise, typically lasting no longer than 30-60 seconds. In this age of short attention spans, briefness is your friend. Focus on delivering the most critical information clearly and concisely.
8. Practice and Refine
Practice makes perfect. Rehearse your elevator pitch until it flows naturally. Practice with a friend or colleague and gather feedback. Refine your pitch based on these insights and your own observations.
9. Adapt to Your Audience
Tailor your elevator pitch to suit the context and interests of your listener. Highlight aspects of your business that are most relevant to them. This adaptability makes your pitch more engaging and impactful.
10. End with a Call to Action
Conclude your pitch with a clear call to action. Depending on the situation, this could be an invitation to learn more about your business, schedule a meeting, or explore a partnership. Leaving your listener with a clear next step keeps the conversation going.
11. Be Authentic and Enthusiastic
Authenticity and enthusiasm are contagious. Show genuine excitement for your business, and let your passion shine through. An authentic and enthusiastic pitch is far more compelling and memorable.
12. Seek Feedback
Lastly, don't hesitate to seek feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your elevator pitch further.
Crafting an effective elevator pitch is an art form that takes practice and refinement. However, with the right approach, your pitch can confidently and clearly introduce your business to potential clients, partners, and investors. So, go ahead and craft your elevator pitch, because in the world of business, those few seconds can make all the difference.
Access Bank is excited to extend an exclusive invitation to you for the very first edition of the Access Bank - Deloitte Ghana SME Business Interaction Series. This pioneering event is designed with your growth and prosperity in mind, aimed at empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating within the Trade and Distribution Sector.
Event Details:
Why Attend?
This unique workshop has been meticulously crafted to provide you with invaluable insights, strategies, and practical knowledge that will elevate your business to new heights. As an SME owner within the Trade and Distribution Sector, you understand the significance of financial empowerment in achieving business resilience and long-term success. This event promises to equip you with the tools you need to not only navigate challenges but also seize opportunities in today's dynamic market.
Agenda Highlights:
Seize Your Opportunity: Registration Details
Your presence is crucial to making this event a resounding success. To secure your slot, we kindly request you to register by clicking on the link below:
Important Information:
Registration is absolutely FREE, but the insights and connections you'll gain are invaluable. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to empower your business for a prosperous future.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Access Bank - Deloitte Ghana SME Business Interaction Series.
The Facility Investing for Employment is an investment mechanism for job creation that provides co-financing grants for private and public projects in its eight African partner countries. On 1 June 2023, a competition round will launch in Ghana. The Call is open to all sectors of the economy.
Private companies as well as public and non-profit organisations are invited to submit investment proposals. Applications are accepted in four categories. They range from purely private sector investments to public infrastructure projects. The Facility supports the projects with grants ranging from 1 million to 10 million euros per project. The amount of the grant depends on the project category and ranges from 25% to 90% of the investment volume. It is essential that each project contributes to sustainable job creation in the private sector in Ghana. The Facility only finances mature projects that have not yet started and that offer reasonable chances for being operationally and financially sustainable.
Candidates can apply individually or in a consortium with other candidates, provided they are based in African countries or in the EU/EFTA.
This is how the application process works
Applications for the competition round can be submitted from 1 to 30 June 2023. In the first step, the Facility will make a pre-selection from the submitted concept notes. In a second phase, the selected applicants will be asked to submit elaborated project proposals, which will then be evaluated in detail.
Successful applicants will be offered a grant contract. Potential applicants can contact the IFE Helpdesk from May 2023: helpdesk-ife@invest-for-jobs.com.
General information on the application process is available at https://invest-for-jobs.com/ife.
The competition criteria for this Call for Proposals and the dates of the online information sessions are published in the Key Information Sheet and the Guidelines for Applicants. Both documents will be made available in the Download Center at https://invest-for-jobs.com/en/ife-download-center.
If you have questions about this competition round, please write to: cfp-ife.june2023@invest-for-jobs.com
The Facility Investing for Employment is an investment mechanism created by the KfW Development Bank on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) as an integral part of the Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition". The Special Initiative, which also operates under the brand Invest for Jobs, aims to team up with companies to create good jobs in the eight African partner countries, and to improve local working conditions.
General Information and further support services are offered by the Special Initiative: https://invest-for-jobs.com.
On February 20th, 2023, the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and Alliance for Integrity signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the GEA Business Integrity (Pepeye) Project.
The objective of the Project is to adopt a multi-sectoral strategy through advocacy and business development services that make it easier for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly women-owned/led to establish the foundation of a successful Anti-Corruption and compliance programme.
The signing of the MoU to implement this Project solidifies our partnership which started in 2018, a few months after Mrs. Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh’s appointment as the first female Chief Executive Officer of GEA, formerly National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI).
In 2022, Mrs. Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh was elected as the Chair of the Advisory Group in Ghana to lead and champion the Anti-Corruption crusade. The continuous and active engagement with GEA testifies to the fact that we find solutions and become stronger through collective actions.
From the very first meeting, the relevance of the work of Alliance for Integrity with the Ghana Enterprises Agency and above all for GEA’s clients, MSMEs in Ghana, was very clear to Mrs. Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh. Alliance for Integrity's practical approach to strengthening compliance and integrity in the day-to-day activities of firms resonates with the mandate and the priorities of GEA: “The government of Ghana is really committed to Anti-Corruption and transparency and is taking serious steps to address these issues and our Agency has a concrete mandate for a transformation that supports MSMEs”.
One of her priorities has been looking at Anti-Corruption with a gender lens: “There is a growing share of women entrepreneurs in Ghana who want to do things right and are keen to support each other”. Mrs. Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh is convinced that women are powerful change agents in the promotion of integrity and has therefore been a driving force behind the Alliance for Integrity Women for Integrity Series (WISe). Together with Alliance for Integrity Ghana and other partners, considerable work has already been done with others in progress and even more to be taken up. The WISe series has grown up to have more participants, partners, and a focused working group for designing an “Ethical Negotiation Training Toolkit” and Regional Exchanges with Asia and Latin America. Mrs. Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh said that “GEA is interested in actively using the WISe platform to reach out to stakeholders and work together in transforming the business environment. She argues that the degree of involvement of the informal sector in trade is often underestimated. Companies are extremely intertwined nowadays, and these linkages are rapidly expanding.
Small and informal firms in remote places are often connected to international supply chains in one way or another. Corruption increases the costs of business, especially for MSMEs, and hinders their ability for business and trade. Promoting transparency and integrity means creating more opportunities for small firms to do business, including for women-led firms. The MSMEs in Ghana widely share the view that there is a business case for integrity, but the case can only be won if all relevant actors work together. The MSMEs are interested in participating because collective action provides the leverage to deal with administrative and procurement integrity obstacles that cannot be solved individually. More so, they welcome having a forum to discuss challenges and co-create solutions to navigate difficult situations.
GEA continually underscores that the goal of its Anti-Corruption engagement is to create a business environment in which Ghana’s MSMEs can succeed and thrive. Working at the grassroots level and using the convening ability of GEA to create a space for difficult conversations have been key elements for the successful collaboration with the Alliance for Integrity. Even the smallest of firms in Ghana is in a position to name corruption challenges, but the issues do not come up and cannot be systematically addressed without a safe forum for discussions and the stewardship of the public sector. This can be done by providing training materials, developing exchange formats, and fostering the international exchange of experiences in dealing with corruption.
The Alliance for Integrity Secretariat has been instrumental in making the best use of these spaces. Going forward, GEA will be engaging with partners within the Alliance for Integrity network and those others in the Ghanaian business environment to continually push the collective action agenda for more complaint business engagements based on its partnership with AfIn and in line with its mandates.
Following the successful implementation of the First Phase of the SME Digitalisation Project which focused on sustaining existing jobs, GEA proposes to implement another phase of the Digitalization Project for SMEs with a focus on women-owned and women-led SMEs. The objective of this Second Phase is to increase operational efficiency and business growth leading to job creation. The Project will be implemented through a combination of targeted demand-based support for SMEs in digitalizing their procedural models as well as encouraging innovative business processes. The support will comprise facilitating a detailed assessment of the beneficiaries’ needs, virtual and non-virtual demand-based capacity-building programs, access to digital solutions, online visibility as well as in-depth knowledge of digitalization and process innovation.
This Project includes the development of an integrated solution for the survival, improvement, and growth of SMEs with the aim to provide targeted support in digitalizing their operations. This will provide a centralized platform involving a detailed assessment of SMEs’ needs, challenges, and potentials, virtual and non-virtual demand-based capacity-building programs, access to digital solutions, virtual visibility, and in-depth knowledge in digitalization and process innovation.
Download ToR - Digital Tools Development Final - D4J ↓
Based on the above and following the successful implementation of the First Phase of the SME Digitalisation Project which focused on sustaining existing jobs, GEA proposes to implement another phase of the Digitalization Project for SMEs with a focus on women-owned and women-led SMEs. The objective of this Second Phase is to increase operational efficiency and business growth leading to job creation. The Project will be implemented through a combination of targeted demand-based support for SMEs in digitalizing their procedural models as well as encouraging innovative business processes. The support will facilitate a detailed assessment of the beneficiaries’ needs, virtual and non-virtual demand-based capacity-building programs, access to digital solutions, online visibility, and in-depth knowledge of digitalization and process innovation.
This Project includes the development of an integrated solution for SMEs’ survival, improvement, and growth with the aim to provide targeted support in digitalizing their operations. This will provide a centralized platform involving a detailed assessment of SMEs’ needs, challenges, and potentials, virtual and non-virtual demand-based capacity-building programs, access to digital solutions, virtual visibility, and in-depth knowledge in digitalization and process innovation.
Download TOR - Online Operational and Digital Visibility D4J ↓
The Ghana Enterprises Agency in partnership with the German Cooperation's 'Invest for Jobs' (an initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), is implementing a Women SME Innovation Programme – Digitalize for Jobs.
The project seeks to provide capacity-building to women-owned/led SMEs on different aspects of digitalization and how their companies can grow from its use and increase their process efficiency and competitiveness by providing access to knowledge, digital tools, and expertise in the field of digitalization and innovation management challenges. It will Create a digitalized business environment conducive to the rapid growth of SMEs in Ghana, ensuring that they are creating jobs after the program.
As part of this project, GEA seeks to engage a competent and highly qualified IT consultancy firm / Digital Services Provider, that has the required capability and experience in the development of digital solutions for SMEs, to lead the development or customization of (Open Source) software solutions based on key needs and demands of selected SMEs in Ghana.
The objective of this assignment is to support the digital transformation of selected women-owned SMEs in Ghana thereby increasing their process efficiency and competitiveness by providing access to demand-based digital software solutions complementing the technical assistance in terms of training and mentoring that the project offers.
The IT consultancy firm should be able to identify the needs and challenges of the target SMEs, advise on appropriate solutions to support their businesses operations, to recommend innovative open-source solutions - without license costs - that could be considered for adoption/customization to address SME’s constraints in the following areas but not only limited to these.
The software solutions shall be easy to handle, user-friendly, and simple but include necessary core functions, a very affordable model, context-specific and modular.
The underlying approach is not to develop new software solutions from scratch but to explore whether appropriate and effective existing open-source solutions are available on the local market that can be customized to the needs of Ghanaian SMEs.
Sustainability is key - The proposed software solutions need to be adapted to the local market so that maintenance and IT Support in Ghana are guaranteed.
The customization/configuration of the software solution shall be complemented by training/capacity building of SMEs as users but also administrators (for later adaption/configuration).
The scope of work of this assignment includes the following:
Considering the scope of work of this project and based on the proposed project development & implementation methodology, the Consultancy Firm must provide a complete list of all deliverables that will be produced throughout the entire project timeline whether those are plans, reports, applications, etc. in a table format mentioning the stages, activities, and timelines.
Some examples of the deliverables are mentioned here under for your reference.
This is a national assignment with utmost importance to GEA, thus the Consultancy Firm must prove that they have a solid technical background and operational strength to undertake and take this work forward without any hindrances. The Consultancy Firm must also have adequate technical ability, human resources, and processes. As such, the following are defined as minimum eligibility criteria:
The CV shall be submitted by 12:00 pm/noon (GMT) on Monday, September 12, 2022, in a sealed envelope delivered to Procurement Officer, GEA, and be clearly marked "Digital Tools Development / Customization or Acquisition"
Applicants may obtain further information on the requirements including the criteria for shortlisting by applying to procurementgea@gmail.com, procurement@gea.gov.gh during office hours.
Wednesday, 15th March 2023
Detailed Terms of Reference for this project may be downloaded HERE (Click Here).
