The training, organised under the Business in a Box (BizBox) Project, targeted local entrepreneurs, with particular focus on young people, women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The initiative sought to address some of the common challenges confronting small businesses, including poor financial record-keeping, limited access to formal financing and difficulties in reaching wider consumer markets.

The first day of the workshop focused on practical financial management, with participants receiving guidance on establishing simple bookkeeping systems, separating personal finances from business income and monitoring cash flow to avoid working capital challenges.

Facilitators emphasised the importance of maintaining accurate and transparent financial records, noting that proper documentation could improve businesses’ access to formal credit, grants and other financial opportunities while supporting long-term sustainability.

The second day focused on business growth, market access and operational expansion. Participants were introduced to strategies for product branding, customer retention and digital marketing to help them improve their competitiveness and reach more customers.

They were also educated on business formalisation procedures, regulatory compliance and the processes involved in registering products with relevant national regulatory authorities.

Project officials stressed that the training was not the end of the support available to beneficiaries under the BizBox initiative.

They explained that participants would receive continuous support through the GEA’s network of Business Advisory Centres (BACs) and Business Resource Centres (BRCs) across the country.

The support would include post-training coaching, assistance with formal business registration and pathways to startup kits for eligible businesses.

Approximately 60 entrepreneurs participated in the training, with beneficiaries expressing optimism about applying the knowledge and skills acquired to streamline their operations, reduce waste, improve financial management and position their businesses for sustainable growth.