About the Program

20TH NOVEMBER, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

NAELP TO LAUNCH E-JOBS FOR GHANA YOUTH

We are delighted to announce the launch of E-Jobs4All (Entrepreneurship Jobs for All), on Tuesday 28th November 2023 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The E-Jobs4All represents a significant partnership between National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme for Illegal Miners (NAELP), Community and Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (CEDI Ghana), Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, Canada and Leadogo Incorporated, Canada to train ten thousand (10,000) Ghanaian youth in entrepreneurship and innovation over a period of five (5) years. This collaboration is driven by a shared goal: to equip the young, innovative, and entrepreneurial talents with the essential skills required to not just start, but to thrive in the world of entrepreneurship. Through E-Jobs4All, beneficiaries gain access to a wealth of opportunities, including entrepreneurship and innovative training provided by the prestigious Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University in Canada. Additionally, they receive invaluable advisory services from seasoned experts within the influential Leadogo Incorporated Network. Fulfilling a Core Mission E-Jobs4All directly addresses one of NAELP’s core mandates: the promotion of sustainable and resilient businesses within mining communities. By fostering the growth of existing businesses, we create an environment that can absorb the talents and ambitions of unemployed youth, actively contributing to the development of their respective regions. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • Ghanaian Youth who either reside in or hail from the mining regions of Ghana.
  • SMEs and Aspiring Entrepreneurs: E-Jobs4All is an inclusive platform open to a diverse range of individuals, including students, startups, the unemployed, and fresh graduates who aspire to initiate, develop, and scale their own businesses.
  • English Proficiency: Basic proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English is essential, as our training and communication will be conducted in this language.
  • Online/Virtual Commitment: Successful applicants must be prepared and willing to engage in online/virtual training.
  Benefits of E-Jobs4All  Benefits include:
  • World-Class Education: Access top-tier entrepreneurship and innovation training from Queen’s University, enhance your skills and connect with young global and business leaders.
  • In-Person Training & Annual Summit: Engage in face-to-face training sessions and an annual summit. Share your experiences with and learn from DDQIC staff, successful entrepreneurs, and business experts. Forge valuable connections, develop new skills, and explore innovative ideas.
  • Masterclasses and Lecture Series: Participate in exclusive masterclasses and DDQIC lecture series. Network with Queen’s Innovation Centre Summer Initiative (QICSI) and Jim Leech MasterCard Foundation fellows.
  • Alumni Network: Join an expansive alumni network that supports you in finding innovative solutions to common challenges. Expand your industry knowledge and expertise beyond your current work.
  • Pitch for Investment: Showcase your business idea and gain access to funding and investment opportunities.
Project Structure The project is structured into three (3) distinct stages, extending over a six (6)-month period. Each of these stages boasts a comprehensive and engaging curriculum, vital for the success of any entrepreneurial endeavor. Stage 1: Foundation – Explore Entrepreneurship Over two months, participants will embark on a journey to cultivate innovative business ideas that address genuine needs. Throughout this process, you’ll engage with fundamental topics in innovation and entrepreneurship, including:
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: Cultivate the mindset that drives entrepreneurial success.
  • Systems Thinking: Gain insight into the interconnected nature of business and innovation.
  • Design Thinking: Explore creative problem-solving techniques.
  • Customer Discovery: Learn how to connect with your target audience effectively.
  • Lean Development and MVPs: Streamline your approach to product development.
  • Pricing Strategies and Financial Viability: Develop a keen understanding of pricing dynamics.
  • Business Model Canvas: Craft a comprehensive blueprint for your venture.
  • Social Business Model Canvas: Incorporate social impact into your business strategy.
  • Intellectual Property: Safeguard your innovative ideas.
By the end of this phase, you’ll synthesize these essential concepts and apply them in a practical manner by creating a business model canvas. This canvas will articulate the critical considerations for your venture idea, empowering you to take these skills and apply them to your entrepreneurial journey or to fuel innovation within your organization. Stage 2: Intermediate – Ignite Entrepreneurship In this stage, you’ll focus on developing a go-to-market strategy and a sustainable business or financial model. Essential topics include:
  • Roles and Responsibilities: Understand the key roles and responsibilities in entrepreneurial endeavors.
  • Introduction to Financing and the Equity Waterfall: Dive into the financial aspects of your venture.
  • Technology Ventures: Explore the tech-driven landscape of entrepreneurship.
  • Spending as a Startup: Learn to allocate resources efficiently.
  • Pitching: Hone your pitching skills to attract investors and customers.
Through this comprehensive curriculum, you’ll synthesize these concepts and apply them to develop and deliver a compelling pitch for your venture idea. These skills can be seamlessly integrated into your entrepreneurial pursuits or leveraged to drive innovation within your organization. Stage 3: Advance – Launch Entrepreneurship This stage is about acting and preparing to execute your ideas while also developing a plan for scaling. Critical subjects include:
  • Growing your Team: Learn how to build and manage a team for your venture.
  • Digital Privacy and Data: Safeguard your business and customer information in the digital age.
  • Procurement: Gain insights into sourcing and acquiring essential resources.
  • Choosing the Right Business Vehicle: Navigate the various business structures and choose the one that suits your venture.
Certificate of Accomplishment Complete all three courses to earn a Certificate of Specialization in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with a micro-credential showcasing your expertise from Queen’s University, Canada. Application Timeline
  • November 28, 2023 | Application opens.
  • December 17, 2023 | Application closes.
  • January 1 – 15, 2024 | Interview and Selection.
  • January 20 – 25, 2024 | Notification of Selected Applicants.
  • January 29 – 31, 2024 | Orientation.
  • February 1 – July 31, 2024 | Course Duration.
  Mining Regions: Ashanti, Western, Western North, Eastern, Ahafo, Central Region, Upper East, and Savannah. For further enquiries, contact 0302787825 / [email protected]

END SIGNED DR. LOUISE CAROL SERWAA DONKOR NATIONAL COORDINATOR, NAELP