McDan Foundation
McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge
Fuelling the next generation of African business leaders
McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge (MEC)
The McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge (MEC) is a program created by the McDan Foundation to support young entrepreneurs in Ghana by providing funding, mentorship, and business development opportunities.
The initiative was founded by Daniel McKorley, Executive Chairman of the McDan Group, with the goal of helping young people build successful businesses and contribute to economic development. The program aims to create a new generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders in Africa.
The challenge is also presented as a 13-week television reality show, where viewers can follow the journey of the entrepreneurs as they compete and develop their businesses.
Purpose of the Challenge
Identify Talent
Identify talented and innovative young entrepreneurs from across Ghana with transformative business ideas.
Provide Funding
Support entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship to develop sustainable businesses that create jobs and growth.
Grow Businesses
Help entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses with real-world skills, strategic thinking, and resilience.
Create Jobs
Encourage job creation and economic growth in Ghana by building a strong culture of entrepreneurship.
Competition Process
In one edition, over 7,000 applicants participated before the number was reduced to a small group of finalists.
Application Stage
Thousands of young entrepreneurs submit their business ideas or business models. Applications are open to all Ghanaian entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.
Screening & Shortlisting
Applicants are reviewed by a panel of experts and the best proposals are selected for the next stage of the competition.
Semi-Final Stage
Participants receive intensive mentorship and training from experienced business leaders and industry experts to sharpen their business skills.
Final Pitch
Finalists present their polished business ideas to a panel of judges, investors, and business leaders in a high-stakes final pitch competition.
Winner Selection
The best entrepreneur receives the grand prize of $100,000 and additional support to scale their business and create more jobs.
TV Reality Show
The challenge is also a 13-week television reality show. Participants face different tasks testing business knowledge, leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills — all broadcast to the nation.
A Winner's Journey
One of the winners of the competition is Alhassan Hamza Akoligo, a young entrepreneur who runs a shea butter processing business.
He won the $100,000 prize in the first edition of the challenge after competing with other finalists. After winning, the foundation supported him further by helping establish a modern shea butter processing facility.
Partners & Collaborators
The challenge is organised with the support of several leading organisations that help provide mentorship, training, and business support for the participants.
Ready to Take the Challenge?
"If you want it, fight for it. Ghana is waiting for you to rise." Submit your business idea and join the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Apply for MEC Season 2