A nationwide search for emerging business talent has entered a decisive phase after Enterprise Spotlight unveiled 24 finalists selected from hundreds of young entrepreneurs across Ghana, in a competition organisers say reflects a growing shift towards inclusive and impact-driven enterprise.

The initiative, a collaboration between Enterprise Group PLC and the Springboard Road Show Foundation, targets entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 40 who are developing solutions to real-world challenges. The organisers describe the programme as more than a contest, positioning it as a platform to nurture innovation and scale viable businesses.

According to the organisers, this year’s cohort highlights a notable gender and inclusion dynamic, with female-led businesses accounting for 60.9 per cent of applications, while 7.9 per cent came from entrepreneurs living with disabilities. The finalists span diverse sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, fashion and construction, underscoring the breadth of Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape.

The selected entrepreneurs will compete for a prize pool of GH¢500,000, alongside a year-long package of mentorship and business development support. In addition, a dedicated grant of GH¢10,000 has been set aside for an entrepreneur with a disability who demonstrates resilience and innovation.

Organisers say the programme is structured to go beyond financial rewards, offering all applicants access to mentoring and counselling aimed at equipping them with both technical expertise and the mindset required to grow sustainable enterprises.

The finalists will also benefit from national exposure through features on the Springboard Your Virtual University platform, providing opportunities to connect with investors, collaborators and a wider audience.

Speaking on the initiative, the Technical Director of the foundation, Albert Ocran, described it as a recognition of the determination and creativity of young Ghanaians, while the Group Head of Communications and Synergy at Enterprise Group PLC, Phyllis Woode-Nartey, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting participants throughout their growth journey.

The competition will be broadcast nationwide on Joy 99.7 FM and Joy News TV, with oversight from a panel of judges that includes respected academic Professor Robert Ebo Hinson.

Organisers have urged the public to follow the progress of the finalists, describing them as a new generation of entrepreneurs poised to contribute to Ghana’s economic transformation through innovation and enterprise.