Pitch Hub and bp celebrate graduation of 26 young entrepreneurs from Innovation Factory program

The Pitch Hub, in collaboration with energy giant bp, has celebrated the graduation of 26 young entrepreneurs from the bp Innovation Factory program, marking the completion of a three-month intensive bootcamp focused on sustainable business growth.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on November 1, 2024, showcasing the promising potential of young innovators in Ghana.

The event featured a product exhibition and a panel discussion that addressed key issues faced by young African entrepreneurs, including Scaling Local Innovations, Access to Finance, Support for African Innovators, and Cross-Sector Collaborations. These discussions highlighted the need for resources, mentorship, and strategic support to empower Africa’s emerging business leaders.

Emily Watt, bp’s VP of Trading and Shipping for RPTE&A, praised the graduates, saying, “This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration and investment in young entrepreneurs. At bp, we aim to foster resilience and growth by empowering young leaders who can create lasting impact in their communities.”

Aurelia Attipoe, founder of The Pitch Hub, outlined the program’s tailored approach, noting, “We identified the specific needs of each business and developed a curriculum focused on addressing those challenges. We also paid a lot of attention to soft skills such as pitching, market analysis, and leadership.”

A standout moment of the ceremony was the product exhibition, where graduates displayed their innovative ideas and services. Rhoda Andoh, founder of Move Hub Limited, shared her gratitude, explaining that the program had enhanced her confidence and provided the skills to expand her gas cylinder delivery service, which she now aims to scale to reach 80,000 homes across Ghana.

Looking to the future, The Pitch Hub has pledged continued support for the graduates, with plans to forge partnerships with major retailers and the Ghana Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (GVCA). These collaborations will create more opportunities for investor pitches and product promotion.

Since its inception in 2019, The Pitch Hub has supported over 500 young entrepreneurs across Africa, equipping them with critical skills to establish and grow competitive businesses. The successful graduation of these 26 entrepreneurs underlines the organisation’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and innovation across the continent.