UEW Hosts Maiden Business Pitch Competition Awards
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has held its maiden Business Pitch Competition Awards, to recognise and reward deserving students who have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills.
The ceremony, which took place at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre on Friday, 7th February, 2025, brought together students, faculty members, and industry partners to celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship.
Throughout the ceremony, attendees were enlightened on the essence of the Business Pitch Competition, which aims to nurture entrepreneurial talents and encourage students to develop viable business ideas that can contribute to national economic growth.
The event, which honoured three groups that excelled in the competition with cash prizes to start their own businesses, featured a documentary showcasing the journey of participants in the Business Pitch Competition.
Prof. Samuel Kwesi Asiedu-Addo, former Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at UEW and chairman of the occasion, commended the School of Business (SoB) for its vision of identifying and nurturing students with entrepreneurial potential, emphasising the importance of such initiatives in shaping future business leaders.
“This competition is not just about giving awards; it is about identifying students with business ideas, supporting them, and encouraging others to follow suit. The awards are a motivation for students to think beyond academics and explore business opportunities,” he noted.
Prof. Asiedu-Addo encouraged students to take entrepreneurship seriously, as it plays a crucial role in national development. He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the School of Business in future endeavours, acknowledging the significance of the competition in equipping students with practical business skills.
Dr. Richard Oduro, Dean of SoB, underscored the significance of entrepreneurship in shaping the future. He highlighted how the event was not just about awarding winners but reaffirming a commitment to the power of ideas that challenge the status quo and redefine industries.
“The journey began with a vision—to unearth the creativity and innovation embedded within our students. Our goal is to empower them with the tools and opportunities necessary to turn ideas into sustainable businesses,” he said.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Development (DRID), emphasised that the university aligns itself with such initiatives. She commended SoB faculty members and students for their efforts in making the challenge a success. She also applauded participants, especially the winners, for their dedication, vision, and resilience in tackling real-world business problems.
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s job market, urging students to continue refining their ideas beyond the competition. “Entrepreneurship is not just about success; it is about inspiring others, creating opportunities, and making a real-world impact. Winning this challenge is only the beginning, and we hope you will build on this success to establish businesses that will employ fellow students and contribute to national development,” she stated.
The university expressed gratitude to the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) for sponsoring the 2024 challenge and looked forward to continued collaboration. The NPRA representative also praised the SoB for spearheading this initiative and encouraged other faculties to emulate this model of fostering student creativity and business acumen.
The Business Pitch Challenge, initiated by the UEW Incubation Hub through the SoB, is designed to encourage students to develop innovative business solutions while competing against their peers. Launched in July 2024, the competition provided a platform for students to showcase their entrepreneurial abilities.
The maiden Business Pitch Competition Awards marked a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among its students. The event demonstrated the university’s commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of its students and providing them with the necessary support to succeed in their business ventures.
