Thousands of young Ghanaians looking to start or expand businesses now have a fresh opportunity after the government officially opened applications for start-up loans under the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, popularly known as 24H+.
The initiative offers financing support ranging from GH₵5,000 to GH₵500,000 for eligible youth between the ages of 18 and 35.
Beyond the financial support, beneficiaries are also expected to receive digital skills training, internship placements, tax incentives and access to concessionary funding schemes designed to help businesses grow sustainably.
Government says the programme forms part of broader efforts to boost entrepreneurship, industrialisation, exports and job creation across the country.
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Speaking about the initiative, John Dramani Mahama described it as a “holistic, integrated multisectoral programme” aimed at removing barriers affecting production and business growth in key sectors of the economy.
How To Apply For The 24H+ Start-Up Loans
Young entrepreneurs interested in accessing the loans are required to apply online through the official 24H+ portal.
Applicants must first visit the official website: 24H+ Official Portal
After opening the homepage, users should navigate to the “Contact Us” section and select the “Expression of Interest Form”.
The form allows applicants to choose from several opportunities under the programme. Those seeking funding for businesses are expected to select the entrepreneurship or business-related option before proceeding with the registration.
Applicants will then be required to provide personal and business details, including their full name, contact information, age, educational or professional background, location, business idea and relevant skills or experience.
Once the form is completed, it must be submitted online for review by the 24H+ Secretariat.
The government says additional opportunities will be introduced in future phases of the programme.
Other Opportunities Available Under The 24H+ Programme
Aside from start-up loans, the portal also allows Ghanaians to express interest in several projects and industrial initiatives under the 24H+ agenda.
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These include:
- Becoming a 24/7 Ready Business
- Becoming an Anchor Farmer in an Agbledu Agro-Ecological Park
- Setting up an agro-processing facility
- Joining the Tamale Air Cargo Hub
- Registering interest in the Wumbei Industrial Park
- Joining the Akosombo Textiles and Garments Park
- Participating in the Legon Pharmaceutical Innovation Park
- Becoming a transporter on the Volta Lake
- Enrolling in the National Creators’ Academy
Benefits For Selected Applicants
According to details released by the government, selected applicants may receive:
- Start-up loans from GH₵5,000 to GH₵500,000
- Free digital skills training at TVET centres across all 16 regions
- Guaranteed internships with partner companies
- Concessionary financing through Development Bank Ghana
- Equity funding support through the Venture Capital Trust Fund
The government also indicated that cooperatives and trade associations will receive priority consideration during selection.
Tax Incentives And Business Support
As part of efforts to encourage expansion and production, the government has announced a number of incentives for participating businesses.
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These include reduced corporate income tax rates for companies operating two-shift and three-shift systems, priority access to electricity and water supply, import tax exemptions on machinery and raw materials not produced locally, VAT relief for selected sectors, export rebates and geographic tax relief packages.
Some businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, ICT, agro-processing and tourism may also enjoy tax-free periods during their early years of operation.
The announcement has already generated excitement among many young entrepreneurs, especially at a time when access to business capital remains one of the biggest challenges facing start-ups in Ghana.
