The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), in partnership with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) and the Mastercard Foundation through the BizBox Project, has launched a nationwide free business registration exercise to support young female entrepreneurs and promote the formalization of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative is targeted at women between the ages of 18 and 35, offering them instant and free business registration services to help transition their enterprises from the informal sector into the formal economy.
The registration according to GEA forms part of the BizBox Project’s broader objective of creating sustainable employment and empowering young women entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic development through formalized and competitive businesses.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, Iddrisu D. Mahmoud, said the intervention is part of the agency’s broader commitment to reducing the financial and administrative barriers that discourage many young entrepreneurs from registering their businesses.
“Many young women have viable businesses but remain in the informal sector because of the cost and challenges associated with business registration. Through this initiative, we are removing those barriers and giving them the opportunity to formalize their businesses at no cost,” he stated.
Mr. Mahmoud explained that formalizing businesses opens doors to numerous opportunities, including access to financing, government support programmes, business development services, capacity-building initiatives and wider markets.
“Once a business is registered, it becomes easier to access credit, participate in government interventions, receive training and build partnerships that can help the business grow. This is about empowering young women to build resilient and sustainable enterprises,” he added.
Some beneficiaries who spoke to Atinka News expressed appreciation to the Ghana Enterprises Agency and its partners, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
“I have always wanted to register my business, but the cost kept delaying me. This programme has given me the confidence to take the next step, and I am grateful for the opportunity,” one beneficiary said.
Another beneficiary noted that formal registration would improve the credibility of her business and enable her to access opportunities previously unavailable to her.
“Now I can confidently apply for funding and expand my business because it is officially registered. This initiative has given many young women like me hope for the future,” she said.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Vincent Kwofie