Hosted at the GNAT Hall in Amakom, Kumasi, under the theme ‘Mastering Credit Risk for Sustainable Business Growth,” the session addressed a recurring challenge for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): extending credit to customers without affecting cash flow or exposing businesses to avoidable losses.

Organised in collaboration with CBG, participants were taken through practical elements on credit risk fundamentals, customer credit assessment, payment policy design, cash flow monitoring and managing defaults.

Samuel Owusu, Zonal Coordinator for Micro Segments and Rural Outreach in the Women’s Banking Division at Consolidated Bank Ghana, who led the training, said the workshop was designed to equip entrepreneurs with systems that support long-term growth.

“We focused on helping participants understand how to evaluate creditworthiness, manage cash flow, and build sustainable systems that reduce financial risk. These skills are essential for scaling any business successfully,” he said.

Many participants found that the session offered practical solutions to challenges they confront daily. “This workshop has completely changed how I look at credit. I now understand how to assess customer risk and protect my cash flow. It’s going to help me grow my business more confidently,” said Beatrice Anaglo, founder of Awusu Fashion Hub.

Alfred Neizer, Head of SME at Telecel Ghana, said supporting women entrepreneurs with practical business knowledge remains central to the Telecel Women in Business value proposition.

“Women-owned businesses continue to play a critical role in local economic activity. We believe that by focusing on equipping business owners with practical financial skills such as credit management, they build stronger businesses that can grow sustainably,” Mr Neizer said.

The Kumasi workshop forms part of Telecel Ghana’s wider Women’s Month activities throughout March, which combine digital inclusion, enterprise development and leadership conversations to empower women.

As the capacity-building workshop for women-led businesses in Kumasi came to an end with an interactive question-and-answer segment, Abena Adowaa, founder of HairUp Brides, said the new knowledge on clearer credit systems could help her business avoid persistent losses.

“The session on credit risk management was very practical. I have learned how to set clear credit policies and avoid bad debts, which has been a major challenge for my business,” she said.