MTN empowers SMEs with GHS150K in grants through business pitch competition

MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by awarding GH¢150,000 in grant funding to five outstanding businesses during its World MSME Day Business Pitch Competition.

The competition, organised under MTN Business' SME Accelerate Programme, brought together 10 innovative Ghanaian businesses to pitch their ideas before a panel of judges, with the aim of securing funding and business support to expand their operations.

Beyond the cash prizes, participants also received access to MTN's digital business solutions, mentorship opportunities and capacity-building programmes designed to help them scale sustainably and compete in an increasingly digital economy.

After an intense pitching session, five businesses emerged as winners:

• Tahir Field Recycling
• Edible Treats
• Dyluri Beauty
• Manehlla Foods
• Tropical Snacks

Each business received a GH¢30,000 grant, bringing the total cash awards to GH¢150,000.

The winners also received MTN Business solutions and digital support packages to accelerate business growth, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their digital presence.

Although Tahir Field Recycling and Edible Treats achieved the highest scores during the competition, MTN Ghana opted to distribute the grants equally among the five top-performing businesses, reflecting its commitment to supporting a wider range of entrepreneurs.

The remaining finalists also received support in recognition of their innovation and entrepreneurial efforts.

The businesses were:

• 10-10 Foodie
• Awhenepa Cookery
• House of Lush
• Bubune Africa Limited
• Lebenam Skin

Each received GH¢2,000 alongside a range of MTN Business products and digital solutions.

The support package included the Y'ello Biz Router, MiFi devices, Business Eye solutions, and other digital tools aimed at helping SMEs embrace digital transformation and improve productivity.

Speaking during the event, Mohamed Abubakar Siddiq, Senior Manager for SME Sales, Partnership and Business Broadband at MTN Ghana, described SMEs as the backbone of Ghana's economy.

He noted that small businesses continue to play a critical role in job creation, innovation and national economic development.

"SMEs play a pivotal role in creating jobs and driving economic growth in Ghana. At MTN, we hold this segment in very high esteem because we understand the challenges and opportunities that come with building a business. Through initiatives such as the Business Pitch and the SME Accelerate Programme, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs with funding, digital tools and business education to help them thrive," he said.

In addition to the financial support, the five winning businesses will participate in MTN Ghana's Mini MBA Programme, a 13-week executive business training initiative delivered in partnership with Nova Business School.

The programme is designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical skills in business strategy, leadership, financial management, innovation and growth planning.

According to MTN, the training will help participating SMEs strengthen their competitiveness and position themselves for expansion into regional and international markets.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tahir Field Recycling, Tahir Pumar, expressed gratitude to MTN Ghana and its partners for the recognition and financial support.

He described the grant as a major boost for the business and an encouragement for entrepreneurs striving to build sustainable enterprises.

"This recognition shows that hard work and consistency eventually attract support. The funding will enable us to increase production, grow our business and create more employment opportunities for young people," he said.

The World MSME Day Business Pitch forms part of MTN Ghana's broader strategy to promote entrepreneurship by providing SMEs with access to funding, digital technologies, mentorship and business development opportunities.

Through the year-long SME Accelerate Programme, MTN Business aims to help entrepreneurs overcome common business challenges while encouraging innovation, digital adoption and long-term sustainability.

As Ghana's SME sector continues to contribute significantly to employment and economic growth, initiatives such as the MTN Business Pitch are expected to play an increasingly important role in strengthening the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting inclusive economic development.