As part of its mandate to accelerate the growth of the competitive private sector, Development Bank Ghana (DBG), under the auspices of the SME-GO programme, has committed to supporting women-led SMEs under “AdvansHer”, a programme initiated by Advans Ghana Savings and Loans.

The AdvansHer programme has been launched by Advans Ghana Savings & Loans, one of DBG’s key Partner Financial Institutions (PFIs) to address the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, providing them with flexible funding and resources for capacity building.

The SME Growth and Opportunity (GO) Programme is a strategic initiative designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential SMEs across Ghana.

Coordinated by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, this programme offers a comprehensive package of financial and technical support, including capacity-building sessions, to address the critical funding constraints faced by SMEs.

DBG’s commitment to the AdvansHer programme reflects its broader mission to close financial access gaps faced by SMEs across Ghana.

DBG believes in supporting businesses beyond funding by cultivating a thriving, supportive environment for the Ghanaian private sector.

Since commencing operations about three years ago, DBG has extended more than GHS 1.5 billion to support Ghana’s private sector.

Of this, GH₵511 million has been disbursed to over 350 women-owned or women-led businesses.

DBG intends to disburse a further GH₵500 million within the next two years to women-owned or women-led businesses.

This is in line with DBG’s ambition of disbursing GH₵1 billion to over 1000 women owned, or women led businesses within the first five years of operations.

Under the AdvansHer initiative, DBG is leveraging the SME-GO programme to support Advans Ghana Savings & Loans to further empower women entrepreneurs with an additional GH₵14 million in loans as well as dedicated resources for financial literacy and business skills training.

The capacity-building component aims to equip 200 women with essential skills in cash flow management, budgeting, and strategic business decision-making.

Michael Mensah-Baah, Deputy CEO of DBG, highlighted the importance of DBG’s role in establishing lasting financial access and opportunities for SMEs through the SME GO programme: “DBG’s partnership with Advans Ghana under SME GO programme is a testament to our mission to create a sustainable and inclusive economic environment. By addressing financial access, capacity building, and mentorship, we empower women entrepreneurs and SMEs across the country to reach new heights, contributing to economic growth and resilience. Through initiatives like AdvansHer, we are strengthening the economic foundations of women-owned businesses and, in turn, creating a stronger, more inclusive Ghanaian economy.”

Guillaume Valence, CEO of Advans Ghana, added, “At Advans Ghana, we believe in the power of financial inclusion as a catalyst for economic growth and social development and we recognize the pivotal role women entrepreneurs play in driving Ghana’s economic development. Currently, over 61% of our loan clients are women, Thus the AdvansHer programme is designed to tackle the unique challenges faced by women through education (Financial Literacy Training), access to tailored financial products like our Edusave and support for women entrepreneurs (Networking opportunities, Coaching & Mentorship) to help upscale their business.

The AdvansHer programme reflects our commitment to providing women with the tools, resources, and financial backing they need to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.”

Together, DBG and Advans Ghana are advancing gender equality and economic inclusivity within Ghana’s financial sector.

The AdvansHer programme exemplifies a strategic investment in Ghana’s future, building a more resilient economy where empowered women entrepreneurs are poised to drive sustainable growth nationwide.