The Academy Celebrates the Formation of the 1,000th Chapter in Ghana, Africa
Recently we celebrated a significant milestone for the Academy and its members: the opening of the 1,000th Chapter Support Group of the Academy for Creating Enterprise! This was accomplished through the wonderful support and dedication of supporters and members throughout the past 25 years of the Academy. We thank you and honor your part and contribution to the Academy serving over 133,000 members in 15 countries across the world.
The event was live streamed on Facebook and highlighted the impressive growth of Ghanaian entrepreneurs who are leveraging their Academy training to improve their lives. Hosted by the Tesana chapter in Ghana, Africa, the event began with a Business Expo hosted by Academy members showcasing their business efforts. Visitors were invited to mix and mingle with business owners to get a better understanding of what they do and how the Academy has helped them grow their business.
After the Business Expo, the main event began with a recap video showcasing the Academy’s origins and its journey through various milestones.
Steve and Bette Gibson, our incredible founders, joined the event virtually and Steve delivered a speech outlining how chapters function, their effectiveness, and strategies for ensuring their success. He emphasized the importance of discipline and vision in achieving entrepreneurial goals and discussed the benefits of collective problem-solving and idea-sharing among entrepreneurs.
The gathering included a vibrant cultural performance by a local troop—featuring traditional Ghanaian drums, singing, and dancing—celebrating the nation’s rich heritage. Frankie Kwamani then provided insights into the program’s success metrics, highlighting the presence of 132 volunteers across Africa, with 14 chapters in Nigeria, eight in Ghana, and additional chapters in other countries.
The recurring theme of “never, never, never give up” was a focal point throughout the event. Madame Mariam discussed entrepreneurship as a vital driver of economic development, while President Flint spoke about the strength and resilience needed to start and sustain a business. He addressed common struggles faced by business owners and the importance of developing a growth mindset, adapting to challenges, and persisting despite difficulties. Attendees also heard success stories from individuals who have thrived through the program.
The event concluded with a celebratory toast and cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the achievement of reaching 1,000 chapters globally and honoring the diverse countries involved in the Academy’s expansion.
Our Executive Director/President, Robert Heyn, was in attendance and celebrated the success of this incredible milestone with these faithful members in Africa and across the world. You can watch Robert’s interview on the event here. The event was also covered by local news.
If you would like to watch the live event, we invite you to watch the recording on our Africa West Facebook page.
Would you like to support Academy members in Africa and throughout the world? With $100, you can support an Academy member’s training for a whole year, helping them develop income-generating skills and become self-reliant. Your generosity not only empowers individuals but also supports their families and drives powerful change in their lives.
We invite you to Make a donation today.
