United Way Ghana, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving lives through youth and economic empowerment, has launched the third cohort of its flagship Youth Entrepreneurship Program in Ho, Volta Region.

The program aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to establish sustainable businesses and create lasting economic opportunities.

The first day of the three-day intensive training program brought together 120 aspiring and existing young entrepreneurs from across the Volta Region for practical sessions on entrepreneurship, business development, financial literacy, digital marketing, business formalisation, customer service, branding, and access to business support opportunities.

The second and third days will follow through with intensive coaching sessions for 30 selected entrepreneurs, who will move on to pitch their business.

The program also includes a Business Pitch Competition, where participants will present innovative business ideas for an opportunity to receive seed funding and mentorship to grow their enterprises.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Program is part of United Way Ghana's broader strategy to address youth unemployment by empowering young people with market-relevant entrepreneurial skills while fostering innovation and resilience within local communities.

Laura Mattes, Senior Manager for Innovation, Digital Communications and Masterbrand at Henkel, encouraged participants to replace limiting self-talk with empowering and positive phrases and to focus their energy on things they can control, including their habits, decisions and actions, while letting go of things beyond their control. She urged them to maintain a positive mindset, believe in themselves and use their abilities to create positive change in their lives.

Speaking in a press statement released ahead of the program, Faustina Abbey, Executive Director of United Way Ghana, emphasised the importance of investing in young entrepreneurs.

"Young people possess the creativity and determination to transform their communities when they are given the right opportunities,” she said.

Adding that United Way is not just providing training but is helping participants develop the confidence, skills, and support systems they need to build thriving businesses and contribute meaningfully to Ghana's economic development through the Youth Entrepreneurship Program.

She also stated that the group is excited to bring this opportunity to the Volta Region, after hosting the first two editions in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi, and looks forward to seeing the innovative ideas that will emerge from the region.

Since its inception in 2024, the United Way Ghana Youth Entrepreneurship Program has trained and mentored young entrepreneurs across multiple regions of Ghana, with several participants successfully launching new businesses, expanding existing enterprises, and creating employment opportunities within their communities.

Abbey emphasised that the Ho edition seeks to engage experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, financial institutions, and business development professionals who will share practical insights and real-world experiences to prepare participants for the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship.

Through strategic partnerships and innovative programs, United Way Ghana empowers individuals and communities to achieve sustainable and measurable impact across the country.

She commended the Fritz Henkel Foundation for supporting this program and believing in the ability of young African entrepreneurs, adding that sustaining Small and Medium Enterprises is a viable means of promoting economic growth. United Way Ghana is committed to empowering young people economically, which is essential to building resilient communities and advancing inclusive development.

Through partnerships with the private sector, development organisations, and local stakeholders, the organisation continues to expand opportunities for young people to succeed.