Nurturing Northern Ghana’s Next Gen Startups: The 5th Edition of Igniting Dreams Awards Seed Funding

Noni Hub, in partnership with Coalition for Positive Impact, recently held the 5th edition of their Igniting Dreams program, which aims to support and nurture early-stage startups. This year’s program saw 10 startups participating, with each startup receiving a month of intensive business development and training and the opportunity to compete for seed funding.

A total of GHS30,000 in seed funding was given to startups that participated, with the top prize, the Gold Prize worth GHc 10,000.00, awarded to AmiShea Company Ltd, a Savannah Region-based venture that specializes in processing Shea into soap, butter, and briquettes. UniDev was the Silver Prize winner, receiving GHc 7,000, while Royal Avielle Ventures took home the Bronze Prize worth GHc 5,000, as well as the People’s Choice Prize of GHc 5,000. IT Hub was adjudged the third runner-up, with a prize of GHc 3,000, and all other participating startups received GHS1,000. Furthermore, the gold, silver, bronze, and fourth prize winners, as well as the People’s Choice award winner will be given a year of business development support as part of the Igniting Dreams fellowship.

CEO of Amishea pitching her business to our panel of judges

Presentation of Award to one of the Winners

This year’s edition of the Igniting Dreams program saw over 300 entrepreneurs from all 5 regions of northern Ghana, bringing diverse perspectives and ideas to the program. The participating startups came from a variety of industries, including agro-processing, and technology, and received guidance and mentorship from a team of experienced business professionals, including Noni Hub’s CEO Sumaila Chakurah.

CEO of Noni Hub Mr. Sumaila Chakurah Addressing the audience

“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented and passionate group of startups this year,” said Chakurah. “The Igniting Dreams program is an integral part of our efforts to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we look forward to continuing to help startups achieve their goals and realize their full potential.”

“The Igniting Dreams program was an invaluable experience for our startup,” said [Amina, founder of AmiShea Company ltd]. “We learned so much and made valuable connections that will help us succeed in the future. The seed funding and year of business development support will be crucial as we continue to grow and expand. We are grateful to Noni Hub and CPI for their support and guidance.”