EIB Network boss, Bola Ray, has in partnership with the European Union in Ghana launched an entrepreneurship programme to empower twenty-five deserving innovative startups by young people in the country.

Dubbed 'Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray', the initiative forms part of Bola Ray's 25 years in the media anniversary which is under the theme 'Impact At 25'.

"Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray" is a comprehensive start-up support program designed to empower 25 deserving entrepreneurs under 30 years old. This initiative focuses on providing essential pillars of support: Funding, Training, Mentorship, Branding and Marketing, and Bookkeeping.

The launch was held at the European Union Ambassador and Grand Mentor of the program, H.E Irchad Razaaly's residence in Accra on Tuesday, with esteemed businessmen and women, the diplomatic corps, and the twenty-five beneficiaries in attendance.

The ultimate goal of this initiative is to nurture and elevate young talents who are passionate about building impactful businesses but lack crucial resources and guidance. They will be mentored by selected successful Ghanaian entrepreneurs.

Delivering his speech at the official launch event, Nathan Kwabena Anokye-Adisi widely known as Bola Ray intimated that "this scheme is aimed at nurturing and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. We are launching this great initiative with 25 budding entrepreneurs under 30 years that will be resourced, mentored, and clearly getting some capital incentives."

"This initiative in partnership with the European Union is designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary resources, guidance, and support and to turn ideas into successful ventures."

He went on to explain to the beneficiaries that "this is not just to give money but to mentor. I believe that having a great mentor is fifty percent of your idea steering well because the experience, knowledge, and insight can't be gotten from the classroom but from the school of life."

"These are people that you are going to be matched with who will help you to navigate the storms. So you should know that this job is something that you prayed for and you have, opportunities to network and we encourage you to do that. We are getting you in touch with people who will get you access to capital and we aim to cultivate an ecosystem where innovation thrives and entrepreneurship is celebrated."

The EU Ambassador on his part said "the first moment Bola told me about it, I did not hesitate because it makes sense for the youth and the EU because the number one job of the EU here in Ghana is to support job and growth creation."

"So the moment I was asked to commit to supporting young entrepreneurs, I did not hesitate. We are already supporting a lot in the field of youth entrepreneurship in the Central region, Ashanti region, and in the Northern regions, because job creation and youth unemployment is a key challenge of this country. "

Objectives of the drive include but are not limited to Identifying and supporting 25 promising start-ups led by driven individuals under 30, offering tailored funding, strategic training, mentorship by industry leaders, branding, marketing assistance, and bookkeeping services and fostering economic growth by empowering young entrepreneurs, encouraging job creation, and enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ghana.

Mentors for the program include but are not limited to KGL boss Alex Dadey, Equity Insurance boss Elton Afari, Reiss & Co. CEO Jeff Sowah, and EIB Network General Manager Nana Yaa Sarpong.

Ghanaian businesses sponsoring the initiative are KGL, Special Ice, Saka Homes, EIB Network, Cocktails & Essentials. Wembley Construction, PubliCiti Stunt Africa, Annabel Brown Consultancy, Hubtel, Reiss & Co., Cricova, Equity Health Insurance, PR Africa, MYST Water with more set to join the list.

Bola Ray, an icon in Ghana's media and entertainment landscape, is commemorating 25 years of dedicated contributions and transformative leadership. His journey from a radio presenter to an esteemed CEO exemplifies commitment, innovation, and excellence.