NEIP Building Capacity Of Entrepreneurs With Practical Mentorship – Joan Selasie

The Deputy Chief Executive Office (CEO) for the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Joan Selasie Ahiawordor ESQ, has indicated the proactive measures the John Mahama administration is advancing in providing mentorship and practical leadership technique in terms of building capacity of entrepreneurs in the country.

“The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) is dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship and innovations through a focused approach across three critical areas: Firstly, we are committed to building the capacity of entrepreneurs by offering relevant and practical training programs, mentorship and coaching designed to equip them with essential skills.

“Secondly, we aim to improve access to finance and market for startups by providing crucial funding, grants, and facilitating investment opportunities. Finally, we work to strengthen the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem through strategic partnerships with vital players such as innovation hubs, incubators, accelerators, academic institutions, and the private sector” she made it known at the Annual Gathering of Hubs under the theme Resilient Hubs, Thriving Futures: Strengthening Ghana’s Innovation Ecosystem.

She was speaking on behalf of her boss, Mr. Eric Adjei who is the Chief Executive Office (CEO) of NEIP.

Explaining the theme for the event, she indicated that, it is “critical as we work as ecosystem actors and enablers of entrepreneurship and innovations in the country” adding that, “when we speak of ‘Resilient Hubs, Thriving Futures,’ we are not speaking in metaphors, we are speaking in policy, partnerships, and practice.”

She added, “Resilience in entrepreneurship doesn’t begin with funding or end with a business plan. It begins with ecosystems; it begins with you; the hubs. You are the platforms on which our innovation economy is being built. The ones building safe spaces for entrepreneurs to test, fail, learn, and try again. Hubs are where visionaries go for mentorship, for infrastructure, and most of all for belief.

“Since our inception, NEIP has been a reliable partner with the hubs in delivering our mandate. Be assured of our continued support and partnership in implementing key government flagships programmes aimed at creating sustainable businesses particularly for the youth and marginalized group in society. We are proud of the progress we have made, but even more committed to what lies ahead. We must make sure that these businesses are surrounded by resilient support systems so they don’t just start, they scale, they survive, and they succeed.”

Giving further details about “The Adwumawura Programme”, she revealed that, it seeks to create at least 10,000 viable businesses every year.

“It is designed to empower the vibrant Ghanaian youth with a focus on women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and underserved communities to start and sustain successful businesses. But this is not just about handing out capital. It is about providing a comprehensive support structure, business development services, mentorship, training and access to markets. The Adwumawura Programme is not just about inclusion, it is about scale, and most importantly, sustainability.

“Because we know that when people are equipped with the right skills, the right mindset, and the right support, they can create not just jobs for themselves but opportunities for many others. But as ambitious as this programme is, we are fully aware that government cannot do it alone. That’s why we are here with you; the Ghana Hubs Network. You are not just part of the ecosystem; you are the foundation of it.”

She further stated, “Hubs are where many entrepreneurs take their first steps. You provide access to knowledge, infrastructure, mentorship, and above all belief. You are the first responders in Ghana’s entrepreneurship journey and the frontlines of building resilience.

“At NEIP, we see hubs not as external actors, but as essential partners. Your role is critical in making our programmes work on the ground, in communities, and in the places where impact matters most. That is why we are intentionally deepening our collaboration with innovation hubs across the country. From co-hosted incubation and accelerator programmes to channeling Adwumawura interventions through your spaces, we are working to ensure that our national goals are implemented through local action. We are also working to provide direct support to hubs; financial, technical, and structural so that you can scale your work and sustain your impact. And beyond implementation, we are committed to a two-way relationship, where your feedback, insights, and innovations inform our policies and programme design. This is how we build a stronger, smarter, and more resilient ecosystem together.”