L’AÎNÉ Foundation calls on entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses that create jobs

L’AÎNÉ Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of L’AÎNÉ HR, has called on entrepreneurs in Ghana to build sustainable businesses that go beyond profitability to create jobs, generate economic opportunities, and contribute to national development.

The call was made at the fourth edition of the Startup Workshop & Consulting Programme, held on Friday, 6 November 2026, at the L’AÎNÉ Office Complex, Adabraka, Accra, under the theme “Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development and Job Creation.”

Delivering the welcome address, James Laar, Managing Director of L’AÎNÉ HR, emphasised that entrepreneurship should be measured not only by the financial returns businesses generate but also by their ability to create employment and contribute meaningfully to society.

Referencing data from the Ghana Statistical Service, he noted that the number of business establishments in Ghana increased from approximately 638,000 in 2014 to 1.87 million in 2024.

However, youth unemployment among persons aged 15 to 24 averaged 32% in 2024, highlighting the need for businesses to translate entrepreneurial activity into sustainable employment opportunities.

“Our challenge is not just starting businesses but building sustainable enterprises that create jobs. At L’AÎNÉ HR, we believe that the true success of a business is not measured only by the profit it makes, but also by the opportunities it creates for others,” Mr. Laar said.

He also highlighted the Foundation’s contribution to entrepreneurship development, noting that the Startup Workshop & Consulting Programme has supported more than 300 startups since its inception, with a target of reaching 700 by 2030.

Beyond supporting existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, the Foundation is also investing in the next generation of business leaders through its Future Founders’ Network Initiative, which has introduced 5,869 Junior High School pupils in the Ledzokuku Krowor Municipality to entrepreneurial skills and thinking.

The workshop brought together entrepreneurs, HR practitioners, and representatives of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, giving participants opportunities to gain practical knowledge, engage industry experts, and explore strategies for building sustainable businesses.

The programme featured two expert-led sessions. Dr Prince Akowuah Aning presented “Building Sustainable Social Enterprises that Scale,” highlighting the importance of developing viable business models that balance commercial success with measurable social impact.

Mrs Mitchelle Erhabor, HR Consultant at L’AÎNÉ HR, followed, speaking on “Building High-Performing Teams for Startup Growth and Job Creation.” Her session explored how effective people management, talent development, and organisational structures enable startups to scale and create employment.

Both speakers subsequently joined a panel discussion titled “From Social Impact to Sustainable Enterprise: Building Businesses that Create Jobs,” moderated by Dela Kosi. The discussion explored practical approaches to transforming socially driven business ideas into commercially sustainable enterprises.

The panel also featured Mrs Dorcas Elizabeth Quartey, MSME Development Officer at the Ghana Enterprises Agency’s Dodowa Business Resource Centre (BRC), who shared insights on the support available to help small businesses formalise, access finance and grow. She urged entrepreneurs to see social impact and profitability as goals that work together, noting that a business must first be sustainable before it can create lasting jobs.

“Many entrepreneurs start with a genuine desire to solve a problem in their community, and that is a great foundation. But passion alone will not keep a business running. When you register your business, keep proper records and take advantage of the support available through our Business Resource Centres, you put yourself in a stronger position to grow and employ others,” Mrs Quartey said.

Participants also took part in an interactive “Ask the Experts” session before moving on to specialised consulting clinics. These clinics provided entrepreneurs with one-on-one guidance across six critical business areas: business growth and scaling; funding and investment readiness; HR and talent management; marketing and customer acquisition; legal compliance and business registration; and impact measurement and sustainability.

The fourth edition of the Startup Workshop & Consulting Programme was organised in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, the Ghana Enterprises Agency, and the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Job Creation, with Workflow by L’AÎNÉ as the programme sponsor.

Through its sponsorship, Workflow by L’AÎNÉ reinforces the importance of technology in enabling businesses to streamline their operations, manage their workforce effectively and build the organisational capacity needed for sustainable growth.

Entrepreneurs interested in participating in future editions of the programme can find more information at www.lainefoundation.org.