The Dr Sheila Dery Foundation has provided financial support and mentorship to 10 young entrepreneurs to help them turn their business ideas into viable enterprises, following a competitive pitching exercise involving 20 student entrepreneurs.
The beneficiaries were selected under the foundation’s Small Scale Business Support Scheme, which was launched in June as part of its broader youth empowerment programme.
The initiative gives selected young entrepreneurs practical support beyond business training, combining financial assistance with mentorship to help them establish or grow their businesses.
The support formed part of the foundation’s maiden Youth Empowerment Conference held at the University of Ghana on June 27, 2026, which brought together about 250 students for discussions and activities focused on entrepreneurship, health, leadership and youth development.
The 20 student entrepreneurs were given an opportunity to pitch their business ideas, after which 10 were selected to receive support under the scheme.
Founder of the foundation, Dr Sheila Dery, said the initiative was intended to provide young people with practical opportunities to develop their entrepreneurial potential and move from ideas to implementation.
The foundation’s approach combines financial assistance with mentorship, allowing the beneficiaries to receive guidance as they establish or develop their businesses.
One of the beneficiaries, Glenda Adisah, who placed third in the pitching competition, disclosed that she received GH¢5,000 in financial support for her business.
Beyond the financial assistance, Adisah said the pitching experience helped her improve her presentation skills and boosted her confidence in communicating her business idea.
The foundation’s intervention forms part of its wider youth empowerment agenda, which includes mentorship, coaching, career guidance and counselling.
Its programmes also cover areas such as health, nutrition, reproductive health and safe digital engagement, reflecting its broader focus on supporting young people to make informed decisions about their lives and future.
The foundation held the youth conference under the theme, “Shaping the Next Generation with Intention”, bringing together young people to engage with issues affecting their personal development, careers and prospects.
The Small Scale Business Support Scheme adds an economic empowerment dimension to those efforts by providing selected young entrepreneurs with resources to begin or strengthen their businesses.
For the beneficiaries, the support is expected to help bridge the gap between having a business idea and having the resources and guidance required to put that idea into practice.
The foundation has said its broader objective is to mentor and empower young people to become informed, productive and transformational leaders who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
With the 10 selected entrepreneurs now receiving financial and mentorship support, the focus shifts from pitching business ideas to developing them into sustainable ventures.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
