The Government, through the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), has begun the disbursement of grants to 3,212 beneficiaries under the 2025 cohort of the Adwumawura Programme.
The initiative is aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs, stimulating business growth and accelerating job creation across the country.
The disbursement marks a major milestone in the implementation of the programme, which seeks to promote sustainable youth-led enterprises.
Launched as a flagship youth entrepreneurship intervention, the Adwumawura Programme is designed to equip young Ghanaians with practical entrepreneurial skills and access to resources needed to build viable businesses.
So far, 10,887 beneficiaries have been successfully trained nationwide.
Participants underwent an intensive five-week entrepreneurial training programme, followed by six months of structured post-training mentorship aimed at strengthening their business models, improving operational capacity and enhancing sustainability prospects.
Selection process
To ensure transparency and merit-based selection for funding, a rigorous evaluation framework was introduced with a Grant Management Committee inaugurated to oversee the selection process.
The committee comprised representatives from academia, government institutions, financial agencies, development partners and the private sector, providing a balanced and credible oversight structure to guide decision-making.
Following the training and mentorship phase, beneficiaries were required to submit detailed business plans outlining their proposed ventures and innovations.
These submissions underwent an initial one-week screening process, during which they were assessed against key criteria, including scalability, job creation potential, sustainability, and feasibility.
Applicants were expected to demonstrate the capacity to grow their businesses, create at least two decent jobs, maintain long-term viability and show practical readiness for implementation.
Shortlisted candidates
Shortlisted candidates progressed to a nationwide pitching phase, where they presented their business ideas before the Grant Management Committee.
This stage provided an opportunity for deeper assessment and validation of proposals.
The pitches were thoroughly evaluated, culminating in comprehensive assessment reports that informed the final selection of beneficiaries for grant support.
Out of the total pool of applicants, 3,212 entrepreneurs were selected across all regions of the country to receive financial support.
The commencement of disbursement is expected to significantly boost the businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to local economic development.
The NEIP described the milestone as a reflection of the government’s commitment to reducing youth unemployment and fostering inclusive economic growth.
It further assured beneficiaries of continuous post-disbursement monitoring and business advisory support to ensure the sustainability and success of funded enterprises.
It consequently encouraged applicants who were not selected in the 2025 cohort to remain hopeful, indicating that the application portal for the 2026 cohort would soon be opened.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh