The Academy for Creating Enterprise (ACE), a nonprofit organization supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 1000th chapter in Accra.
The event, held in Tesano, brought together business owners, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders to reflect on ACE’s impact and chart the course for future growth.
Speaking at the event, Robert Heyn, Executive Director of ACE, emphasized the importance of equipping entrepreneurs with foundational business skills as the key to success.
He noted that, the ability to start and grow a business, even with limited resources, is crucial for long-term success in today’s economy.
“Prosperity in business begins with taking the first step, no matter how small the resources. Our goal at the Academy is to provide entrepreneurs with the training and mentorship they need to thrive,” Mr. Heyn said during a media interview.
Looking ahead, he said his vision is for the Academy to expand its footprint across Africa, establishing more chapters, and nurturing a new generation of successful entrepreneurs over the next decade.
Charles Adebayo, Manager for the Nigeria Region of the Welfare and Self-Reliance Area for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also underscored the vital role entrepreneurship plays in Africa’s economic development.
He reiterated that empowering individuals to become entrepreneurs is key to economic emancipation across the continent.
In his address, Flint Mensah, Director of Temporal Affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encouraged entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses and seek funding opportunities available through organizations like GIZ, embassies, high commissions, and other donor agencies.
He highlighted the need for resilience and faith in navigating business challenges, stating that “perseverance, mental toughness, and emotional fortitude are essential traits for any entrepreneur to succeed.”
Mr. Mensah further reminded attendees that challenges such as funding difficulties, market competition, and team building are part of the entrepreneurial journey.
However, adopting a growth mindset can transform these challenges into learning opportunities, ultimately leading to business growth and success.
Marian Esiape, Welfare and Self-Reliance Area Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commended the Academy for its tireless efforts in empowering Ghanaian entrepreneurs.
She urged small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) founders at the event to become innovators who recognize and address market needs with products and services that uplift communities.
“Entrepreneurs should strive to be a beacon of hope, not just for their families, but for their communities. By identifying gaps in the market and filling them with impactful solutions, they have the power to drive economic growth and social progress,” Mrs. Esiape said.
Reflecting on the foundation’s progress in Ghana, Mr. Frank Ekwam Anno, Regional Coordinator for the Academy, highlighted the rapid expansion of the organization since its establishment in Ghana two years ago.
The Academy for Creating Enterprise has successfully created eight chapters, with plans to launch more in the coming months to empower even more aspiring business owners.
“At ACE, our focus is on teaching entrepreneurs the essential principles of business that will enable them to succeed, achieve self-reliance, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. In just two years, we’ve witnessed significant growth among our members, and we’re excited to continue this journey, empowering more people across Ghana,” Mr. Anno remarked.
25 years since its creation, The Academy for Creating Enterprise continues to play a pivotal role in equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools necessary to create sustainable businesses, fostering self-reliance, and contributing to the economic advancement of Ghana and beyond.