JLMCF Ghana Chapter - Final Pitch Competition 2026
An in-person pitch competition where ventures showcase innovation for funding. Feel the business energy and vibe on the podium!
Join the JLMCF Ghana Chapter Final Pitch Competition 2026! Get ready for an exciting in-person event where brilliant minds come together to showcase their innovative ideas. The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship - Ghana Chapter (JLMCF - Ghana) is an extension of the main Pan-African Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on entrepreneurship (JLMCF- Pan-Africa Cohort).
The JLMCF Fellowship provides African students and recent graduates with the opportunity to access training, resources, financial support, and a network of mentors to develop their entrepreneurial skills and begin building their own ventures. It is an 8-month program that aims to cultivate an exceptional entrepreneurial mindset and skill set in leaders to drive both social and financial impact.
The Ghana Chapter (JLMCF-Ghana) specifically tailors its approach to support Ghanaian student entrepreneurs while offering the same curriculum as the Pan-Africa version. However, the Ghana chapter includes additional in-person activities and local context designed to help turn the entrepreneurship dreams of Ghanaians into reality.
This year, we started with 300 entrepreneurs at the explore phase of the program. We are currently in the Launch phase, where 22 entrepreneurs made it. Out of these 22 entrepreneurs, the top 10 will be pitching for funding.
The event starts with breakfast and a workshop series before the main final pitch starts in the afternoon. Check the agenda for more details. Whether you're a participant, aspiring entrepreneur, or a cheerleader, this is the place to be for inspiration and networking. Don't miss out on witnessing the final pitches that could change the game!
Powered by the Dunin Deshpande Innovation Centre at Queen's University, Mastercard Foundation, and Queen's University
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Highlights
- 9 hours 45 minutes
- In person
Location
International Programmes Office, University of Ghana
Annie Jiagge Road
Accra, Greater Accra Region
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
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Breakfast
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Workshop 1 - Scaling a Business
In this workshop, Prof Greg Bavington, Executive Director of the Dunin Deshpande Innovation Centre at Queen's University, will explore the key differences between starting a venture and scaling one. Participants will learn how entrepreneurs move from validating ideas and securing early customers to managing growth through strategic expansion, financing, supply chain optimization, team development, regulatory compliance, and formal financial systems. The session provides practical insights and strategies for entrepreneurs preparing to transition from startup survival to sustainable scale
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Workshop 2 - Strategies to Thrive & Scale
In this workshop, our speaker, Joanna Tinus, Assistant Director of the Dunin Deshpande Innovation Centre at Queen's University, will discuss strategies for scaling while managing burnout and poor decision-making, with a focus on proper planning to manage not only your mental health as a founder but also what to focus on and where to spend money first.