Female entrepreneurs need more than access to capital to build successful and sustainable businesses, according to Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, which says financial knowledge and strategic planning are equally critical to long-term growth.
To help bridge this gap, Access Bank, in partnership with Deloitte Ghana, organised a business workshop for women entrepreneurs in Accra, bringing together female business owners for practical training on financial management, business strategy and enterprise growth.
The event formed part of the bank’s broader commitment to strengthening women-led businesses and supporting their contribution to Ghana’s economic development.
Participants, drawn from the bank’s customer base, engaged in expert-led sessions designed to equip them with the skills needed to make informed financial decisions, improve business performance and position their enterprises for expansion.
Speaking at the workshop, Head of Women Banking for Access Bank African Subsidiaries, Bimpe Gisanrin, said women entrepreneurs continue to play a vital role in driving economic growth and job creation across the continent.
However, she noted that while access to financing remains important, many women-owned businesses struggle to scale because of gaps in financial literacy, business planning and strategic decision-making.
“We recognise that women entrepreneurs are a powerful force in driving economic growth. However, access to capital alone is not enough. They need the right financial knowledge, structures and confidence to make informed decisions that will move their businesses forward,” she said.
Mrs Gisanrin explained that the workshop was designed to provide practical solutions to these challenges by helping participants better understand financial planning, business structuring and long-term growth strategies.
According to her, the goal is not only to help women start businesses but also to build enterprises that can survive economic challenges, create jobs and remain competitive over time.
“Our focus is to ensure that the women we support are not only able to start businesses but are positioned to scale and sustain them over time,” she added.
She described the initiative as part of Access Bank’s capacity-building approach to women’s banking, which focuses on equipping female entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge required to strengthen their businesses.
“We are deliberate about creating platforms like this where women can engage experts, ask questions and leave with actionable knowledge. It is about building capacity and strengthening resilience,” Mrs Gisanrin said.
Facilitators from Deloitte Ghana led participants through detailed sessions on financial management, risk assessment, governance and strategic planning. The sessions focused on helping business owners develop stronger financial systems, manage risks effectively and attract investment opportunities.
Beyond the technical presentations, the workshop also created an avenue for women entrepreneurs to share experiences, discuss challenges and learn from one another’s journeys.
Participants exchanged ideas on issues ranging from accessing finance and managing cash flow to navigating market competition and business expansion.
Organisers said such peer-to-peer engagement is an important component of entrepreneurship development because it encourages collaboration, accountability and practical problem-solving among business owners.
The workshop forms part of Access Bank’s long-term strategy to promote women entrepreneurship and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana.
As women-owned businesses continue to play an increasingly important role in the economy, initiatives that combine financing with knowledge-sharing and mentorship are expected to help improve business survival rates and contribute to broader economic growth.
