About the Awards

Ghana’s premier platform spotlighting young entrepreneurs who fuel growth, create jobs, and advance inclusive prosperity.

From technology and agribusiness to social enterprise and creative industries, we celebrate excellence across the ecosystem.

The 2025 edition features 10 categories, offering national visibility and credibility to Ghana’s most promising leaders.

Benefits of Winning / Being Shortlisted

National Visibility

Media features, speaking slots at YES2025, and recognition across GCYE platforms.

Partnership Access

Warm introductions to investors, development partners, and corporate buyers.

Credibility

A trusted badge to strengthen sales, fundraising, and hiring.

Award Categories

1. Male Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Outstanding male entrepreneur under 40 demonstrating exceptional innovation and business growth.

2. Female Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Outstanding female entrepreneur under 40 whose leadership and resilience inspire others.

3. Innovative Startup of the Year

New business (3–5 years) disrupting its sector with innovative solutions.

4. Social Impact Entrepreneur of the Year

Measurable social/environmental impact with financial sustainability.

5. Tech Entrepreneur of the Year

Youth-led tech business solving critical problems at scale.

6. Agribusiness Entrepreneur of the Year

Excellence in agriculture, agro-processing or agritech with proven market impact.

7. Creative & Cultural Entrepreneur of the Year

Excellence in the creative economy (fashion, film, arts, music, media).

8. Green & Sustainable Business Award

Eco-friendly practices and climate-smart solutions.

9. Rising Star Award

Promising entrepreneur under 25 showing extraordinary potential.

10. Youth Entrepreneurship Support Organization

Institutions providing consistent support to young entrepreneurs.

Nomination Guidelines & How to Nominate

Nominees must be Ghanaian and aged 18–40 (except organization category).
Businesses must be registered and operating for ≥ 1 year (except Rising Star).
Self-nominations and third-party nominations are allowed.
Attach supporting documents (registration, traction/impact data, press).
Apply for one category only.
Submission deadline: 10 September 2025.

Steps

Click Nominate Now.
Complete the form & upload documents (PDF/Images).
Submit to receive a confirmation email with tracking ID.

Nominate Now

Nominate a young entrepreneur — It only takes a few minutes to nominate

Judging & Selection Process

An independent jury reviews eligible entries using clear criteria and verified documentation.

Criteria & Weights

Innovation & Differentiation — 25%
Business Performance — 25%
Impact (jobs/community) — 25%
Governance & Compliance — 15%
Story & Leadership — 10%

Selection Stages

Eligibility screening
Jury scoring
Shortlist & verification calls
Final jury retreat & confirmation

Transparency: Conflicts are declared; jurors recuse where applicable.

Key Dates (2025)

Nominations Open — 1st August 2025

Nominations Close — 15th October 2025

Shortlist Announcement — 20 October 2025

Awards Night @ YES2025 — 30 October 2025

Past Winners

Watch Last Year’s Awards Recap

Get a feel of the energy, the winners, and the celebrations that define YES Awards.

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2025 Jury Panel

Comming Up Soon

Innovation Policy Expert

Comming Up Soon

Investor & VC Partner

Comming Up Soon

SME Development Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for more than one category?

No. Each nominee can only apply for one category.

What evidence should I attach?

Business registration, product photos, press links, sales or user metrics, impact data, and references.

Will shortlisted nominees be interviewed?

Yes, the jury may schedule brief verification calls or site visits.

Is there an application fee?

No. Nominations are free.