Fidelity Bank, Ghana’s largest privately-owned bank, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs during the Women in Business Dialogue Series hosted by the Business and Financial Times.
Nana Esi Idun-Arkhurst, Divisional Director,
Retail & Business Banking at Fidelity Bank, delivered impactful insights at
the event, emphasizing the importance of cultivating investor-ready businesses
and Fidelity’s commitment to offering the resources and support they need to
succeed.
The event, proudly sponsored by Fidelity Bank,
took place at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, under the theme
"Investing in Women-Owned Businesses for Ghana's Transformation Agenda: A
Call for Action." The dialogue series provided a dynamic platform for
influential leaders like Ms. Idun-Arkhurst to share invaluable perspectives and
strategies for advancing gender equality and empowering women entrepreneurs.
During her panel discussion, Ms. Idun-Arkhurst
emphasized the importance of women-owned businesses being investor-ready and
credit-worthy. S
he highlighted the significance of strong
financial practices, urging women entrepreneurs to develop disciplined habits
from the inception of a business, regardless of its formality. This financial
preparedness builds trust and credibility with potential investors or financial
institutions.
"Immediate documentation of business
activities is crucial to establish credibility and trust with
stakeholders," she advised. "Whether seeking credit, equity, or
grants, investors want to see tangible evidence of the business's prospects and
financial viability."
Ms. Idun-Arkhurst emphasized that financial
investment is not always the first step. She encouraged women entrepreneurs to
focus on establishing a strong market presence and product quality.
"Sometimes, what the business needs is not
money," she explained. "Focus on building a strong customer base,
obtaining necessary certifications, and ensuring your product meets relevant
standards. This will position you for success when seeking financial support."