In celebration of International Women's Day, Ecobank Ghana PLC, the Pan-African Bank, has introduced its flagship women’s program, ‘Elevate by Ecobank’, to Kumasi.

This initiative is designed to provide financial support, mentorship, and training for women-owned businesses, businesses employing women, and businesses producing for women, helping them grow and thrive in today’s competitive market.
 
Speaking in an interview with Luv FM, the Head of Marketing and Brand at Ecobank Ghana, Regina Ofori, emphasised the importance of the program, urging businesswomen in Kumasi to take advantage of the opportunities it offers.
 
“We are here to introduce the Elevate Program to women in Kumasi and to let them know that they have a place to turn for support. Whether you own a business, employ women, or produce goods and services for women, Ecobank has designed this program with you in mind. We have exceptional financial offers, training programs, and experienced mentors who are ready to help you grow,” she stated.
 
Mrs. Ofori noted that the Elevate Program is not just a banking product, but a full-fledged support system tailored to meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. One of its standout features is the provision of collateral-free loans of up to 750,000 Ghana cedis, ensuring that women-led businesses can access much-needed funding without the usual constraints.

“As a bank, we understand the financial challenges many women entrepreneurs face. That’s why we are offering collateral-free loans of up to 750,000 Ghana cedis. If you’re part of the Elevate program, you can access this funding without worrying about providing collateral,” she explained.
 
Beyond financial aid, the Elevate Program provides business training on critical areas such as budgeting, taxation, digital marketing, and overall business management strategies. Additionally, women who have successfully built and managed businesses will serve as mentors to guide and support other women who are either starting or looking to expand.
 
Mrs. Ofori encouraged young women with entrepreneurial dreams to join, emphasizing that business registration is not a requirement. 
 
A young woman with a vision for her own business, is assured to join the program. It doesn’t matter whether the business is registered or not – the program is opened to formalize and provide the resources needed to succeed.
 
To take part in the Elevate program, women must have an Ecobank account, which can be opened by visiting any Ecobank branch, registering online at ecobank.com, or using the Ecobank Express app, which allows users to open an account with just a mobile number and Ghana Card for verification.

The Elevate program was first launched four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic as a relief initiative for businesses struggling to stay buoyant.

Over time, Ecobank has expanded and refreshed the program, adding collateral-free financing and mentorship to ensure that women do not only receive training but also the practical guidance and financial support necessary for business growth.
 
“We introduced Elevate at a time when businesses needed relief, but we’ve realized that training alone isn’t enough. Many women need hands-on mentorship and access to funds, which is why we have included these new components to make the program even more impactful,” she explained.
 
She encouraged all women entrepreneurs in Kumasi to seize this opportunity, reaffirming Ecobank’s commitment to supporting and empowering women in business.

Through the Elevate program, Ecobank continues to play a vital role in fostering women-led businesses, driving economic growth, and creating lasting opportunities for female entrepreneurs in Ghana.
 
Meanwhile, Mrs Ofori has visited the Kumasi Unit of the Multimedia Group (Luv FM and Nhyira FM) to discuss mutually-beneficial partnerships.