Believe Begin Become Programme Brings Skills, Capital and a Business Network to Ghana's Entrepreneurs to Help Them Transform Ideas Into Action

ACCRA, GHANA, MARCH 28, 2006 —Technoserve and the Google Foundation officially launched Believe Begin Become, Ghana's national business plan competition, today at the Alisa Hotel amid a crowd of corporate executives, model entrepreneurs, and private sector dignitaries. The programme Organizing Committee, TechnoServe management team and Google.org representative recognized the more than 30 local supporters of Believe Begin Become, and invited additional companies to join the network of Ghana's business professionals set to contribute to the training and mentoring of programme participants.

The application period for Believe Begin Become opened today and will remain open until May 4, 2006 at 5:00pm. Initial interest in the programme confirms TechnoServe's and Google's assertion that Ghana is full of entrepreneurial people with innovative ideas.

"Just like Google started with a vision, the entrepreneurial men and women of Ghana have the potential to build successful businesses through their own innovation and vision... and this program helps," said Google.org manager Rachel Payne.

Today's launch paves the way for Ghanaians to enter the business plan competition by submitting their completed applications. Hopeful entrepreneurs have been calling the TechnoServe office and visiting the programme website (www.believe-begin-become.com) for the last two weeks since the Organizing Committee and programme structure were introduced.

"We are pleased that entrepreneurs are recognizing the value of this opportunity to gain skills, tools and a strong business network," said Nick Railston-Brown, TechnoServe country director. "We know from our experience in Latin American countries that the resources this competition brings to entrepreneurs, including the seed capital and business development service awards, will result in success for many of the participants."

All good business ideas are welcome. Applicants will be screened according to the programme eligibility criteria, which can be found, along with detailed application instructions, on the website. Hard copies of the applicant guide are available at TechnoServe offices in Accra, Atebubu, Bolgatanga, Tamale and Wa. A dozen other application pick-up points around the country are also listed on the 'Applicant Guide' page of the website.

The launch of this comprehensive entrepreneurship development programme marks the beginning of an intensive six-month line-up and the commencement of a business network that will carry on long after the competition ends.

"Believe Begin Become is a holistic programme which brings skills, network development, and self-development to the individual participant," said Ishmael Yamson of Ishmael Yamson & Associates and formerly CEO of Unilever. "There are many entrepreneurs out there with good ideas... but they need encouragement to translate those ideas into concrete activities. And this programme is designed to help them to do just that."

About TechnoServe: TechnoServe helps entrepreneurial men and women in the developing world to build businesses that provide jobs, income and economic opportunity. Since its founding in 1968, the U.S.-based nonprofit has helped to create or improve more than 2,000 businesses, benefiting millions of people in 32 countries.

For more information, please contact:
Shika Acolatse, BPC Coordinator, TechnoServe/Ghana Tel: + 233-21-763675 or 773873/5; Email: shika.acolatse@tnsgh.org

Katherine Pasternak, Operations Manager, TechnoServe/Ghana Tel: + 233-21-763675; Email: katherine.pasternak@tnsgh.org

Nick Railston-Brown, Country Director, TechnoServe/Ghana Tel: +233 21 773873/5; Email: nickrb@tnsgh.org