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."
