At a time when many young people feel pressured to start businesses immediately after school, entrepreneur and media executive Mr. Kweku Etuaful delivered a timely reminder at the University of Cape Coast.



Speaking at a guest lecture organised by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprises Development (CESED), Mr. Etuaful challenged students to rethink what it truly means to be entrepreneurial. According to him, the foundation of entrepreneurship lies in mindset, discipline, and preparation rather than quick ventures.



Using his personal journey as an example, Mr. Etuaful explained how years spent working in structured corporate environments shaped his approach to business. His experience in finance roles across several organisations helped him develop habits of accountability, financial control, and respect for systems—qualities he believes are often underestimated by aspiring entrepreneurs.



He stressed that micro-entrepreneurship is not about starting small because of limitation, but about starting deliberately. By focusing on specific niches, managing costs carefully, and delivering consistent value, micro businesses can grow sustainably even in uncertain economic conditions.



A major focus of his address was the freelance and gig economy, which he described as a powerful entry point for students and young professionals. However, he cautioned that freelancing should be approached with the same seriousness as formal employment. Reliability, consistency, and reputation, he noted, are what separate successful freelancers from struggling ones.



Mr. Etuaful also highlighted the importance of community and collaboration, drawing insights from Inspire Cape Coast, an initiative aimed at strengthening creative collaboration and storytelling in the Central Region. Through this experience, he said, it became clear that impact is driven more by mindset than location.



In concluding his lecture, Mr. Etuaful encouraged students to slow down, learn deeply, and build strong personal foundations before venturing into full-scale entrepreneurship. He reminded them that employment, freelancing, and entrepreneurship are not competing paths but complementary stages of growth.