The National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) says more than 120,000 individuals have so far benefitted from government’s Coronavirus Alleviation Programme Business Support Scheme(CAP BuSS).

This was disclosed by the Executive Director of NBSSI, Kosi Yankey-Ayeh.

While addressing national regional executives of the Association of Small Scale Industries (ASSI) on the disbursement of the CAP BuSS, Mrs Yankey also mentioned there is enough evidence to back the nationwide payment of monies to support many young businesses.

“The CAP BuSS as you all know started in May and has been ongoing. As we speak, over 120, 000 people have benefitted. Every district in this nation has at least one person who has benefitted. 

"Every region in this nation has received funding and we have all the documentation and list of beneficiaries available as well to showcase those who have benefited”, the NBSSI boss noted.

General Secretary of the Association of Small Scale of Industries(ASSI), Abdallah Samari, on his part said the stimulus package has relieved most of its members from the hardship the COVID-19 pandemic had on their businesses.

He thus commended government and the NBSSI for the honour done them.

“The pandemic stopped most of them from doing business but the support from the government has really helped most of them to enable them raise their business up again.

"We thank the government of Ghana for such an opportunity and thank our mother association which is the NBSSI. We really appreciate what they have done. The CAP BuSS has really come to support most of our members,” she said.

Some beneficiaries acknowledged receiving the support and lauded both the government and the NBSSI for the fine opportunity given them to revive their operations.

“I was able to receive the CAP BuSS support through the association. So I want encourage all my colleagues to join associations so they are able to access any kind of funds that are available. I want to thank the NBBSI for this opportunity. I am extremely grateful”, one beneficiary stated.

The National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) is a governmental agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry mandated by Act 343 of 1981, to strengthen and grow MSMEs in Ghana.

With a footprint in 183 districts across the nation, it is well-positioned to execute the task at hand.

NBSSI has a proven track record in delivering results through similar interventions. In the last three years, NBSSI has chalked many significant milestones such as the training of 65,000 youth, of which women accounted for 62 per cent.

This was done through innovation hubs, apprenticeship programmes, access to international export markets and providing approximately GHS70 million worth of funding.