Fifteen health business start-ups awarded a total of $150,000 by the Africa Health Collaborative, KNUST, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, have successfully completed a comprehensive 3-day workshop designed to enhance their understanding of regulatory and business management.

The workshop, which was a key component of the programme provided them with the tools and knowledge needed to scale their businesses effectively.

The workshop featured a series of interactive sessions, including contributions from key regulatory bodies such as the Allied Health, Pharmacy Council, and the Medical and Dental Council. These organizations provided critical insights into the regulatory environment, helping participants understand the legal frameworks that govern health businesses in Ghana.

Professor Wilberforce Owusu-Ansah, lead of the Health Entrepreneurship pillar under the Africa Health Collaborative KNUST, emphasized the importance of these interactions.

“We’re trying to bring them together and go through with them how the funding is going to be used. At what stage will they need what, and what would be given to them.”

He added that the workshop also aimed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and regulators, ensuring that business owners are not only aware of but are also familiar with the regulatory bodies that oversee their operations.

“We want all our businesses to be law-compliant,” Prof Owusu-Ansah continued. “We thought that there would be the need to bring together all the people in the regulatory ecosystem so that they can take them through the process of applying for necessary approvals. We don’t want the situation where people run businesses contrary to the law.”

The session also included a unique opportunity for stakeholders and students to familiarize themselves with the faces behind the regulatory bodies.

“This will make it easier for them to engage with these stakeholders in the future,” Prof Owusu-Ansah explained.

As part of the next steps, participants will be supported in reaching specific milestones, with funds being disbursed based on the progress of each start-up. Business owners will be required to report on their achievements to ensure that the resources are being used effectively and are driving measurable impact.