Top 7 Business Grants for Startups

Business Grants? It can be difficult to launch a business in Ghana, particularly if you lack funding. Many people give up before they even start, banks demand collateral, and loans have exorbitant interest rates.

Business grants can help with that.

Grants are free funds provided to business owners to launch or expand their enterprises. You don’t have to repay it, unlike loans. You can apply if you’re a graduate with a startup idea, a trader in the market, or a student with a side business.

This article explains the seven actual business grants that Ghana will offer in 2025, their application process, and how they operate.

What is a Business Grant?

A grant is funding provided by:

• Government agencies

• NGOs and foundations

• International partners

• Private companies

These grants usually support:

• Women & youth entrepreneurs

• Agriculture or tech businesses

• Rural businesses

• Job creation and innovation

To qualify, you may need:

• A business idea or plan

• Registration (for some grants)

• To fill an online form or attend training

Let’s explore your options.

1. NEIP Business Support Program

Provider: National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP)
Type: Government
Amount: ₵5,000 – ₵50,000
Target: Young entrepreneurs, startups, traders, and SMEs

What It Offers:

• Free business training

• Mentorship and coaching

• Non-repayable grants or soft loans

Application: Usually open once a year at neip.gov.gh
Tip: Join the NEIP Facebook page for updates.

2. Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Fund (WEDF)

Provider: Ministry of Gender, Ghana
Type: Government
Amount: Up to ₵20,000
Target: Women entrepreneurs (formal or informal sector)

What It Offers:

• Funding for women’s small businesses

• Skills training in business management

• Focus on rural and low-income areas

Application: Through local district offices or during national calls
Tip: You don’t always need registration to show your activity, attend workshops, and be part of a women’s group.

3. Ghana CARES “Obaatanpa” Support

Provider: Ministry of Finance
Type: COVID recovery fund
Amount: ₵20,000+ depending on sector
Target: Sectors like agriculture, food production, manufacturing, tourism, education

What It Offers:

• Grants to support post-COVID recovery

• Training & business advisory

• Partnership with banks and NBSSI

Apply via: nbssi.gov.gh or partner programs
Tip: Having a business plan increases your chances.

4. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Grant

Provider: TEF, Nigeria (Open to all of Africa)
Amount: $5,000 (~₵70,000)
Type: International
Target: Startup entrepreneurs in any sector

What It Offers:

• $5,000 seed capital (non-refundable)

• 12-week free entrepreneurship training

• Mentorship from global experts

• Opportunity to connect with investors

Apply at: www.tonyelumelufoundation.org
Deadline: Usually opens January–March yearly
Tip: Applications are competitive – write a strong business story and vision.

5. YALI Accra Business Grant

Provider: Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) & U.S. Government
Amount: $1,000 – $3,000
Type: International
Target: Youth aged 18–35 in Ghana

What It Offers:

• Free business leadership training

• Access to pitch competitions

• Small grant awards for the best business ideas

How to Apply:

• Apply for YALI training via yaliwestafrica.net

• Complete 5-week training

• Compete in pitch competitions

Tip: You don’t need a big business — just show passion and a clear plan.

6. MTN MoMo Accelerator Grant

Provider: MTN Ghana
Type: Private company grant
Amount: ₵10,000 – ₵100,000 (for finalists)
Target: Businesses using digital tools or MoMo

What It Offers:

• Funding for MoMo-powered businesses

• Digital business mentorship

• Media exposure and publicity

Apply at: mtn.com.gh during their yearly MoMo Month in August
Tip: Use MoMo in your business now — and document it!

7. Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) Agritech Challenge

Provider: Kosmos Energy
Amount: Up to $50,000 in investment
Target: Agribusiness and agri-tech startups

What It Offers:

• Business training

• Mentorship from agriculture experts

• Pitch sessions and funding awards

Open to: Young entrepreneurs in agriculture value chains (farming, logistics, processing)
Website: kicghana.org
Tip: Have a unique solution — not just farming, but ideas like packaging, storage, digital tools, etc.

Summary Table

How to Prepare for a Grant Application

To increase your chances of winning a grant:

1. Write a Simple Business Plan

   • What problem are you solving?

   • Who are your customers?

   • How will you use the money?

2. Register Your Business (if needed)

   • Go to Registrar General’s Department

   • Or start small and register later

3. Document What You Do

   • Take pictures of your products or service

   • Save MoMo transactions

   • Keep a daily sales book

4. Practice Your Pitch

   • Some grants need video or physical pitching

   • Practice your idea in 2–3 minutes

You Don’t Need Big Money to Start : You Need Information

Simply by not applying, thousands of young Ghanaians lose out on free money. Some people believe that grants are only for “big people.” That is incorrect.

In 2025, there are more business grants available than ever before for market women, tailors, students, and anybody else with a good idea.

Begin modestly, maintain consistency, and seize these chances.