Simon Turner

Veteran turned Founder, Venture Builder, & Mentor 🏆Sustainability, innovation, & frontier markets | @Thunderbird at @ASU | @grndbrkg

[Dr. Daniel McKorley @DMckorley]

One thing I have consistently been vocal about is that our youth need a revolutionary shift in mindset for business success. But they are also desperate for a country that supports them, a nation that doesn’t abandon them to an unforgiving world which is fast leaving them behind.

[Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) @gayoghana]

🌍💡 Exciting News! We launched the Climate Research Fund for African Students to empower young Africans to lead #climate solutions by supporting research to address environmental challenges.

Read more: https://t.co/rVgwIFPhlw

#ClimateResearch #YouthEmpowerment #AfricaLeads

[Simon Turner @SimonTurner]

@thisisthemax @AchimotaSchool Congrats Max, to you and Yvonne ❤️

[Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) @gayoghana]

We WON the 2024 @EarthshotPrize! ✨🌍

We are beyond thrilled! This recognition fuels our mission to build Zero Waste Cities, improve air quality, and empower communities across Africa.💚🌱

#EarthshotPrize #GAYOImpact #ZeroWasteCities #CleanAir #ClimateAction

[Founder Institute Australia & NZ @FoundingSyd]

Thanks Maxine Lee @rightclickvc @paulgrimes_ @ryancross Jeff Perlman Simon Litchfield @svbabbar Dr Leila Alem Michael Taus @pc0 @cooperdotco @StartSoc Roger Do. Next cohort Feb '25 for 3.5 months part-time #mentor #mentorship #StartOz #StartupAUS #StartupNZ #FiWorldwide @founding

[Iddi Mohammed Faried @fariedfab4]

Pleased to Announce that I am the winner of the GoGettaz Prize and the second Ghanaian to achieve that. Thank you for all your support

[Simon Turner @SimonTurner]

A Hidden Reason for Business Failure in Social Enterprise: Exploring Innovative Talent Solutions in Frontier Markets - ⁦@NextBillion⁩
https://t.co/Eqb03LTwNc

[Simon Turner @SimonTurner]

@growformeafrica Congrats, GFM team 🏆

[Dr. Maxwell Ampong @thisisthemax]

#Ghana boasts abundant talent and wisdom, yet many capable individuals shy away from pursuing #innovative ventures. The primary reason? A pervasive and persistent fear of financial inadequacy.

Many now believe that no matter how hard they try, they will always be thwarted by financial #barriers and that there is no way around it.

The reluctance to start new #ventures due to financial limitations is rooted in practical considerations. Financial resources are the lifeblood of any #business initiative. Even the most brilliant #ideas can only come to fruition with adequate #funding. I agree.

However, the issue goes beyond the absence of #money.

☞ﾟPolicies like the 1983 #EconomicRecoveryProgramme prioritised #foreigninvestment, creating a lasting financial disparity. This historical context is key to understanding the current challenges for #Ghanaian SMEs and entrepreneurs.

☞ﾟ#Regulatory challenges and red tape deter potential entrepreneurs, but streamlining processes and digitalising services could help.

☞ﾟCultural norms in Ghana favour stable jobs over #entrepreneurship due to the fear of social stigma associated with #businessfailure.

☞ﾟ#Women in Ghana face unique challenges, such as cultural norms, limited #education, and lack of collateral, which make it harder to secure #financing.

☞ﾟThe fear of #debt, especially with high #interestrates, further discourages #risktaking. What can we do?

☞ﾟThe theory of "learned helplessness," developed by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier, explains how repeated financial obstacles can make Ghanaian #entrepreneurs feel powerless and reluctant to start new ventures. This sense of helplessness leads to inaction.

☞ﾟA report by the #WorldBank indicates that access to #finance is one of the top three challenges for #businesses in Ghana, alongside electricity and tax rates (World Bank, 2021).

☞ﾟOnly 20% of Ghanaian #SMEs have access to formal credit, compared to 60% in high-income countries. An IFC survey four years ago highlighted a $4.1 billion financing gap for Ghanaian SMEs. One can only imagine what the actual data looks like now.

☞ﾟThe issue of limited access to finance is worsened by a lack of financial literacy, leaving many unaware of alternative financing options like #venturecapital, #crowdfunding, and #angelinvestors.

☞ﾟImpact investors like myself will always focus first on #funding ventures that generate positive #social and #environmental outcomes. #ESG is now widely known, but not as widely understood.

There’s more in this article.

I hope you enjoy the read in today’s Business & Financial Times or online via this link https://t.co/5NS0hQASop

Subscribe to the ‘Entrepreneur In You' newsletter here 👉 https://t.co/tfdTzT3b6X

Have a great week! 👍

[Simon Turner @SimonTurner]

“Never let the quest for more distract you from the beauty of enough.”

- @SahilBloom

[Simon Turner @SimonTurner]

"Just because it's not optimal, doesn't mean it's not beneficial."

- James Clear

[Simon Turner @SimonTurner]

“And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure whether the storm is really over.

But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm's all about."

Haruki Murakami

[Simon Turner @SimonTurner]

Join me at the @founding Africa Regional Founder Showcase TODAY.

WHEN: Thu 26 Jul, 6pm (UTC/Africa, Casablanca)
RSVP: https://t.co/gzpFeNRstl.

Hear from fast-growing, African entrepreneurs and watch them pitch their pre-seed startups.

#fiworldwide

[Grow For Me @growformeafrica]

Join us to meet my startup Grow For Me and dive into all things entrepreneurship. I’ll be sharing my journey, offering tips, and answering your burning questions about founding a startup. Date: July, 25 Time: 7 PM CET Link for RSVP: https://t.co/cnlUe7idmI

[Simon Turner @SimonTurner]

"If you want to be successful, you must respect one rule: Never lie to yourself!"

- Paulo Coelho

[Simon Turner @SimonTurner]

@NodeEight @dzansibrian @WashFellowship @StateDept @USEmbassyGhana @AccraDigiDigest Congrats @dzansibrian. Very impressive

[Simon Turner @SimonTurner]

I'm excited to introduce the 3 startups who'll be joining @founding's African Regional Founder Showcase! 🎉

📅 Date: July, 25 at 6 PM (Africa, Casablanca)
📍 RSVP: 🔗https://t.co/Edd36jspqB

Our founders:

1️⃣ Nana of @growformeafrica
2️⃣ Etornam of @SPiiKA_Inc
3️⃣ Marie-Louise The Mishkan Group

If you're a startup founder looking to learn, or an investor seeking promising startups, this event is for you.

P.S. Repost this to help spread the word! ♻️

#fiworldwide