19-year-old wins ‘presidential pitch for startups’ with Agro-processing innovation

A 19-year-old Senior High School graduate of Methodist Girls’ High School, Vanessa Aisha Limann has brushed off the challenge from 9 other finalists to win the maiden edition of the ‘Presidential Pitch for Startups’.

The competition organised by the newly created Business Development Ministry saw over 2000 people submit their business ideas for an opportunity to receive funding for the growth of their business.

This number was pruned down to 500 and later 20 out of which the final 10 feasible ideas were selected for a final pitch which saw Vanessa Limann’s Agro-processing business idea outshine the others for the grand sum of GH¢50, 000.

Vanessa Limann who hails from Upper West Region of Ghana, disclosed that she begun the enterprise with an initial capital of GHC500 three months ago and after initial hitches the business has started to find its feet.

She stressed her desire to expand the business which is currently located in Sissala West District of the Upper West Region to other parts of the country.

“I completed High School last year and I was idle at home, practically I had nothing to do so I decided to market my mother’s products thus going from shop to shop and also partaking in trade fairs. So it was 6months ago that we partook in international trade fair and as I looked around I saw people with different products and I wanted to do something that will generate money for myself so I decided to come out with my own product through research on the internet and I have some knowledge on cereals and that’s how I was able to come with my own product, market it and brand it” Vanessa Limann said in an interaction with the media

“I am located in the Sissala West District so I am going to use the funding to invest in machinery and equipment that can help me produce in large quantities and also acquire good quality materials and airtight containers that will attract new buyers and also partake in local and international trade fairs. My plan is to produce there, package and distribute to various outlets” she added.

Speaking at the event, President of the Republic, Akufo-Addo said this is one of many initiatives his government is committed to, to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth.

He admitted that not all businesses or business ideas may flourish once produced but those that do succeed will go a long way in providing employment and improving the standards of living in the country.

The various pitches were screened based on four key pillars. These were; feasibility of the business, innovation, impact of the business, scalability of the business.

The ideas presented by the final 10 contestants cut across Agriculture, Technology, Agribusiness, Construction, Agri-processing and Health. They were judged by a team of three made up of seasoned professionals with wealth of experience; Ebenezer Ato Simpson, Dzigbordi Dosoo and Dr Daniel Mckorley.

Abdulsalam Mohamed and Ahmed Tijani both with health-related innovations came in 2nd and third and received GH¢45, 000 and GH¢40, 000 respectively.

The event was attended by members of the business community and members of the diplomatic corps including Ambassadors of Germany, US, Zimbabwe and South Africa.