A total of 150 business owners are set to benefit from this year's MTN Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) Support Programme.

The programme seeks to lend financial and business development support to micro and small businesses led by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), women, and the youth.

Speaking at the launch of the second edition of the MTN Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) Support Programme in Cape Coast, chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Mrs Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, announced that MTN Ghana would commit GHS 2 million to the initiative, with up to GHS 20,000 allocated per business based on need.

In addition to financial assistance, the programme will focus on capacity building and digital marketing to help participants strengthen their businesses.

“Last year, we committed GHS 1 million; this year, we are doubling that to GHS 2 million. The support goes beyond cash—it involves training, streamlining businesses, and formalizing their operations, allowing them to grow, employ more people, and make a lasting impact,” she added.

She acknowledged the challenges SMEs face in accessing capital, training, and opportunities for growth.

She explained that the programme aims to help beneficiaries leverage digital platforms to expand their businesses and market their products online. “The support will enable beneficiaries to adopt new business practices, scale their businesses, and access formal finance if necessary,” Mrs Wiafe added.

This year's initiative is a collaboration between the MTN Ghana Foundation and Innohub Foundation, which will initially roll out in the Central Region before expanding to other regions across the country.

Nelson Amo, Executive Director of Innohub Foundation, outlined Innohub's role in the programme, which includes identifying businesses, screening and training beneficiaries, and managing the disbursement of funds.

He expressed hope that the programme would help participants grow their businesses, increase their customer base, and utilize digital marketing platforms like MTN’s mobile markets.

“We expect these businesses to grow, increase revenues, and maintain financial discipline, which will help them sustain long-term growth. Many of them are in the food sector, contributing to food security in the country,” Mr Amo emphasized.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to MTN for the support provided through the programme.