Accra: The Ghana Grows Programme, an initiative by the Mastercard Foundation in collaboration with the Springboard Road Show Foundation, has successfully equipped 30 young women with crucial entrepreneurial skills. This marks the completion of the third training session conducted by Empower360 under this initiative, focusing on Tie-Dye and Batik, Shoemaking, and Food Processing.
According to Ghana News Agency, the training, held from June 2nd to 6th, 2025, offered participants practical knowledge and starter packs, empowering them to start their own businesses immediately. This achievement builds on previous sessions, where 24 women were trained in mushroom farming and 32 women in makeup artistry, resin art, and soap production.
A statement from Accra highlighted that these sessions are part of a broader vision to enhance economic outcomes for young women and persons with disabilities. The current pilot involved four youth-led organizations: Ahofade Shoes, Marvin D’autey Tet’d Handmade Shoes, and Habarata Textiles, which actively trained the participants. The involvement of Youth-Led Organizations (YLOs) was emphasized as a key factor in the program’s success, providing facilitation and peer mentorship that fostered a supportive learning environment.
Post-training, YLOs are leading activities such as business coaching, market linkages, and follow-up support to ensure the long-term impact of Empower360 on the participants’ lives. The partnership has also benefited the YLOs by enhancing their skills in project management and community development, strengthening their role in youth development.
Mrs. Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of Springboard Road Show Foundation, underscored that Empower360 addresses real challenges faced by young Ghanaians, aiming to restore their confidence and enable self-reliance through long-term opportunities. Participants engaged in hands-on activities and interactive sessions, gaining technical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Miss Bridget Ama Eshun, a participant, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I came here with absolutely no idea about fabric making, but today I walk away with not just knowledge but a complete starter kit to launch my own business.” The Ghana Grows Programme continues to showcase the transformative power of targeted interventions, with a commitment to expanding its impact and supporting more women in building successful enterprises.