{"id":15694,"date":"2026-04-17T15:21:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T15:21:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/?p=15694"},"modified":"2026-04-17T16:53:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T16:53:57","slug":"women-in-business-wib-2026-kick-off-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/women-in-business-wib-2026-kick-off-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Women In Business (WIB) 2026 Kick-Off Event"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is often said that when a society invests in women, it is investing in the people who invest in everyone else. And as society sees what women can do, and women realize their own potential, it will inspire more women to take action, benefitting us all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>About the Women In Business (WIB)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GNBCC\u2019s WIB mentorship programme is a strong proponent of this belief. The WIB Program, a sub-project within GNBCC\u2019s Private Sector Development (PSD) Program, is an initiative aimed at strengthening women-led enterprises in Ghana, particularly those within the horticulture and cocoa value chains. Through a three to six-month mentorship program, female-led businesses are guided to build stronger brands, improve their internal operations, expand their markets, and better position their businesses for sustainable growth. In addition to mentorship, WIB offers field visits, networking opportunities, and workshops across various thematic areas to supplement the mentorship support and learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>WIB Kick-Off Event&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Wednesday, 8<sup>th<\/sup> April 2026, the WIB Team organised a kick-off launch for this year\u2019s cohort of 20 women entrepreneurs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tracy-a-mensah\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tracy Abbey Mensah<\/a>, the WIB project lead, with great excitement, welcomed everyone present, congratulated the women who had been selected for the three-month mentorship programme, and introduced the purpose of the WIB programme to all present and its expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The program was kick-started with an address by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/hilde-famaey-6b37bb\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hilde Famaey<\/a>, General Manager of the Ghana Netherlands Business and Culture Council (GNBCC). She provided an overview of GNBCC&#8217;s mission, emphasizing its dedication to empowering women-led businesses in the horticulture and cocoa value chains. Hilde also highlighted other relevant GNBCC initiatives, including the SME Support Desk and the Horticulture Business Challenge Project, encouraging participants to explore these resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hilde\u2019s address was followed by a keynote address from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/wendyvanmeel\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wendy Van Meel<\/a>, Deputy Dutch Ambassador to Ghana. Drawing on her personal experiences in both entrepreneurship and motherhood, Wendy encouraged the participants to confidently proceed on their journey and to strengthen other young people along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An inspiring address on Women Leadership was delivered by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/isabelle-indeweij-gerlings-5b355172\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Isabelle Indeweij<\/a>, Country Director of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.klm.com.gh\/?showredirectnotice=1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.<\/a> Isabelle shared essential advice for succeeding in leadership, which is best summarized in the following three points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stop Waiting for Perfection:<\/strong> Take action now, without waiting until you are \u2018perfect\u2019.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be Yourself: <\/strong>Leverage your unique strengths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Build Your Network: <\/strong>Develop a strong support system and professional network.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>WIB 2026 Mentors&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The series of formal addresses concluded with the introduction of the Women In Business mentors. The mentors took the stage, introduced themselves to their mentees, and set clear expectations for the three-month mentorship season ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 cohort mentors are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/fatimaalimohamed\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Fatima Alimohammed<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/barbara-davies-79a13a7\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Barbara Davis<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dr. Florence Vanderpuye<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/celestina-danso-arhin-4a4140123\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Celestina Danso Arhin<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/evelyn-ama-lokko-msc-mghis-pmp-0509722b\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Evelyn Lokko<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/catherine-krobo-edusei\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Catherine Krobo Edusei<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/susanneroelofsenafum\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Susanne Roelofsen Afum<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Exhibitions &amp; Networking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The event also included exhibition and networking moments, during which the WIB participants proudly showcased samples of their products to event attendees and built essential business networks with one another.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wellness was also a key focus of the Kick-Off, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/lizette-beri-a97b6a228\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lizette Beri<\/a> of <a href=\"https:\/\/bfcafrica.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brain Fitness Centre Africa<\/a> giving a brief, inspiring presentation on the need for fitness and wellbeing; specifically emphasizing fitness in body, mind, and soul for wholesomeness in being and performance among women in professional environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mentor-Mentee Breakout Session<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following the presentations, a dedicated breakout session was held. This allowed each mentor to interact with their assigned mentees one-on-one, introducing themselves, and discussing the mentees&#8217; unique businesses and current challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>PUM Partnership and Conclusion<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The day concluded splendidly with an insightful presentation by PUM Netherlands Senior Experts, represented by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/wisdom-abodakpi-57a36120b\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wisdom Abodakpi<\/a>. He introduced PUM\u2019s mission and its international pool of senior professionals who support SMEs globally. The presentation sparked an engaging Q&amp;A focused on how the mentees can leverage PUM&#8217;s technical support to strengthen their businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A big congratulations to this year\u2019s selected mentees. Thank you to our mentors and deep appreciation for our keynote speakers for joining us in officially opening this year\u2019s edition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The GNBCC Women in Business (WIB) Programme officially launched its 2026 cohort on 8th April, welcoming 20 women entrepreneurs to a transformative three-month mentorship journey. The kick-off event featured inspiring addresses from GNBCC General Manager Hilde Famaey, Deputy Dutch Ambassador Wendy Van Meel, and KLM Country Director Isabelle Indeweij, alongside networking, exhibitions, wellness sessions, and mentor-mentee engagements. Through mentorship, training, and strategic partnerships, the WIB Programme continues to empower women-led businesses in Ghana\u2019s horticulture and cocoa value chains for sustainable growth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15696,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"yes","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[150],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wib"],"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":18144,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wib-trade-readiness-masterclass-equips-women-entrepreneurs-for-global-markets\/","url_meta":{"origin":15694,"position":0},"title":"WIB Trade Readiness Masterclass Equips Women Entrepreneurs for Global Markets","author":"Paul N.","date":"August 6, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The GNBCC's WIB Trade Readiness Masterclass equipped women entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on export readiness, customs compliance, logistics, trade regulations, and AfCFTA opportunities. The session strengthened participants' capacity and confidence to expand their businesses into regional and international markets.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Training &amp; Workshops&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Training &amp; Workshops","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/training-workshops\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Article12v2-5.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Article12v2-5.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Article12v2-5.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Article12v2-5.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Article12v2-5.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15162,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/call-for-applications-women-in-business-2026\/","url_meta":{"origin":15694,"position":1},"title":"Call for Applications: Women in Business 2026\u00a0","author":"Grace Agorigo","date":"March 13, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Applications are currently open for the third edition of the Women in Business (WIB) programme, under the Private Sector Development (PSD) Programme of the GNBCC.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News Articles&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News Articles","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/news-articles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WIB-mentoring2-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WIB-mentoring2-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WIB-mentoring2-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WIB-mentoring2-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WIB-mentoring2-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WIB-mentoring2-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":18987,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wib-mentor-exchange-day\/","url_meta":{"origin":15694,"position":2},"title":"Project Update: Women in Business (WIB) Mentor Exchange Day","author":"Paul N.","date":"September 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The GNBCC\u2019s Women in Business Mentor Exchange Day brought mentors, mentees and alumnae together for practical business guidance, shared learning and stronger connections across the network.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Women in Business&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Women in Business","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/wib\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Article12v2-8.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Article12v2-8.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Article12v2-8.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Article12v2-8.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Article12v2-8.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":17765,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wib-entrepreneurs-explore-how-to-build-high-performing-teams-for-growth\/","url_meta":{"origin":15694,"position":3},"title":"WIB Entrepreneurs Explore How to Build High-Performing Teams for Growth","author":"Paul N.","date":"July 30, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The Women in Business (WIB) 2026 mentorship cohort concluded its workshops with a session focused on building and managing high-performing teams for business growth. Led by HR Management Consultant and WIB mentee Isabella O. Esantsi, the session equipped entrepreneurs with practical insights on recruitment, delegation, performance management, HR compliance and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Women in Business&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Women in Business","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/wib\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Article12v2-7.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Article12v2-7.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Article12v2-7.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Article12v2-7.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Article12v2-7.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14148,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/strengthening-connections-expanding-capacity-women-in-business-mentor-mentee-workshop\/","url_meta":{"origin":15694,"position":4},"title":"Strengthening Connections &amp; Expanding Capacity: Women in Business Mentor\u2013Mentee Workshop","author":"Michael Teye","date":"December 4, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Last Thursday, the Women in Business Mentorship Program held its highly anticipated Mentor\u2013Mentee Workshop at La Villa Boutique Hotel, an inspiring afternoon designed to deepen learning, expand networks, and strengthen the collective capacity of our 2025 cohort.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Women in Business&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Women in Business","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/wib\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WIB-mentee.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WIB-mentee.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WIB-mentee.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WIB-mentee.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WIB-mentee.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14621,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/women-in-business-wib-closing-ceremony\/","url_meta":{"origin":15694,"position":5},"title":"Invitation: Women in Business (WIB) Closing Ceremony","author":"Michael Teye","date":"February 6, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The GNBCC invites members and stakeholders to the Women in Business (WIB) Closing Ceremony, marking the conclusion of the 2025 edition of the project. Join us for an evening of networking and exhibitions as we celebrate the achievements and collaborations of women entrepreneurs who have successfully completed the WIB journey.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;GNBCC Updates&quot;","block_context":{"text":"GNBCC Updates","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/gnbcc-updates\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/wib-CLOSING-CEREMONY-DATED-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/wib-CLOSING-CEREMONY-DATED-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/wib-CLOSING-CEREMONY-DATED-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/wib-CLOSING-CEREMONY-DATED-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/wib-CLOSING-CEREMONY-DATED-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/wib-CLOSING-CEREMONY-DATED-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIB-kik-26-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15694"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15694\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15742,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15694\/revisions\/15742"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15696"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15694"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}