GNBCC Launches 2nd Edition of Women in Business Program

On Tuesday, 24th June, GNBCC officially launched the second edition of the Women in Business Program. This year’s kickoff event was packed with activities from start to finish—including the official launch of the program, a workshop, and an exhibition showcasing products by the mentees.

In attendance throughout the day were mentors, mentees, the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands Embassy, Wendy van Meel, the General Manager of GNBCC, Hilde Famaey, the Project Manager for the program, Jemima Rockson, as well as other team members from GNBCC.

Jemima opened the program by welcoming all participants and introducing GNBCC as an organization. She then invited Hilde, our GM, to say a few words. Her address was both encouraging and educational. Hilde shared her personal experience as a co-founder and business manager, highlighting key lessons such as the importance of packaging—emphasizing that your packaging reflects the quality of your product—and the need for building a strong team and hiring the right people.

When the Deputy Ambassador, Wendy, arrived and took the stage, she continued in a similar spirit. Having previously owned a business for several years before transitioning into diplomacy, she empathized with the challenges women entrepreneurs face. She encouraged the mentees to persevere, work hard, and take full advantage of programs like this.

The program was designed to provide both inspiration and a mindset shift for the mentees. The first session featured a transformative workshop led by Dr. Florence Teiko Vanderpuye, owner of Rosh Pinnah Ventures and one of the program’s mentors. Titled “Mentees’ Retreat: My Change Maker Profile”, the workshop extended its impact beyond just the mentees, engaging mentors and GNBCC staff as well.

Dr. Florence guided participants through key concepts, including:

• The Four Quadrants of Change
• Power Dynamics and Mindset Shifts
• The Three Centres of Intelligence (represented by a tortoise, a lion, and a tree)
• The Nine Preferences of the Enneagram
• Self-Awareness and Its Importance
  This session was incredibly engaging and enlightening. It was inspiring to witness participants’ moments of reflection and real-time breakthroughs.

The program concluded with an exhibition, where visitors from the public explored and purchased products while networking with the mentees. We are truly excited about this year’s cohort—and we’re sure you will be too when you see the amazing photos and the incredible products these women are producing. We’re thrilled to take you along on this journey.

Mentors for 2025:

• Catherine Krobo Edusei – Managing Director, EdenTree
• Fatima Alimohamed – CEO, African Brand Warrior
• Evelyn Lokko – Operations Manager, Philips Medical Equipment
• Celestina Danso Arhin – West Africa Regional Director, Holland GreenTech
• Susanne Roelofsen – Manager, CEO Africa
• Barbara Davies – Marketing & Communications Executive
• Dr. Florence Vanderpuye – Owner, Rosh Pinnah Ventures

The businesses represented in this year’s cohort include Rayon Vert, Miller and Marian, KocoDLuv, Evnoia Nutripac, Spice Boss, Enam Cosmetics, Gs Greenery, Dzordzoe Skincare, Afri Diamond Foods, Dominas Agrifoods, Edfre Enterprise, Obaa Essentials, Miss Ashley Ventures, Ogla Trade, Fortune Coffeeshop, Nana Papa, Haprian, Aguma Tea, Eat by Noor, Amosah, Nuvi Blends, GirlFarmsHub, Real Mums Exclusive / Grocery Deluxe, Makoine Foods, Nelia Foods, Radiance Care, Rapha Delight, AFB Golden Enterprise, Cherry Pine Farms, Best Siblings, Terra Green Farms, AYA Rejuvenation Retreat, Green Gold Gardens, Nkandobi, Leespec, Go Green Foods Farmacy, Rouje Naturel, Hendy Farms, Parach Foods, Laam Shea, and Every Mama’s Dream.