NKKT Brands entrepreneurship support has entered a new phase as the Ghanaian company marks its 10th anniversary and formally transitions from a branding agency into an Entrepreneurship Support Organisation focused on helping local businesses grow, formalise and access opportunities.
The company, founded in 2016, says its next chapter will be built around three flagship initiatives known as 5000 Brands, Artisans for Work and Ahenfo Fund.
Through the programmes, NKKT Brands has set a target of transforming more than 5,000 brands and helping to enable over 50,000 jobs by 2035.
The shift follows a decade in which the company says it has delivered more than 600 projects, developed over 200 brands and managed more than 120 brands across several industries.
Local Business Challenges Shape New Direction
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Nana Kobina Kom Turkson said the decision to broaden the company’s mandate was informed by challenges observed while working with Ghanaian entrepreneurs.
According to him, promising businesses often struggle to scale because of weak organisational structures, limited financing, skills gaps and difficulty reaching suitable markets.
“From artisans taking their first steps to SMEs pursuing growth and established businesses adapting to change, we have worked alongside entrepreneurs and seen their realities first hand.
“The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. Becoming a Ghanaian ESO is a natural evolution of our work and the impact we want to create.” - Mr Turkson
NKKT said its existing work in brand development, management, visibility and consultancy will provide the foundation for the expanded model.
Three Programmes Target Different Business Needs
The 5000 Brands programme will focus on startups and emerging businesses through incubation, mentorship, practical training and growth support.
Entrepreneurs participating in the initiative are expected to receive assistance in strengthening their business structures, developing their brands, using digital tools and preparing for market opportunities.
Artisans for Work will concentrate on artisans, creatives and tradespeople, helping them improve their professional readiness while connecting them with employers, businesses and communities seeking their skills.
The Ahenfo Fund will initially focus on preparing businesses for financing rather than providing immediate funding.
Its first phase will help entrepreneurs and small businesses improve financial understanding, documentation and business structures so they can present stronger propositions to potential financiers.
NKKT said the programme will later work towards linking investment ready businesses with appropriate funding opportunities.
Company Sets 2035 Growth Targets
Beyond the 5,000 brand and 50,000 job targets, NKKT Brands plans to expand mentorship, organise more workshops and bootcamps and support the training of over 5,000 artisans.
“Our responsibility grows with the work,” Mr Turkson said. “We want to help entrepreneurs build stronger businesses, skilled people access opportunities, and communities benefit from that growth.”
The company said the targets will also provide a clear way to measure the impact of its expanded mandate over the next decade.
NKKT Brands describes itself as a Ghanaian Entrepreneurship Support Organisation using branding, technology and commerce to help entrepreneurs overcome growth barriers, formalise their operations and scale their businesses.
As it enters its second decade, the company says the focus will shift increasingly from building brands for clients to building systems that help businesses and skilled professionals participate more effectively in Ghana’s economy.
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