In the serene town of Bosomtweyeagya, near Konongo in the Asante Akyem District of Ghana’s Ashanti Region, a remarkable story of entrepreneurship and resilience is unfolding. Felicia Senyo, a determined and visionary entrepreneur, has turned her passion for palm oil production into a thriving business that not only sustains her but also provides employment for many in her community. Through the support of the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP), Felicia has transformed Feliyon Enterprise from a humble cottage industry into a beacon of success in Ghana’s agro-processing sector.
A Journey of Determination and Growth
Felicia’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2017 when she was introduced to REP through the BAC in Ejisu. Prior to that, she had been assisting her brother in Akranteabesa, also in the Asante Akyem District, with his palm oil business. She performed various tasks, from expelling palm nuts to managing daily production processes. It was during this period that Felicia realized the vast potential of the palm oil industry.
Her turning point came when she attended a training workshop organized by REP. This experience ignited her entrepreneurial spirit and motivated her to establish her own business. Initially, she considered venturing into soap-making, as the training covered that area as well. However, after discussions with her brother, she decided to focus on palm oil production, recognizing that it was the primary raw material for soap manufacturing. This strategic decision would later prove to be a game-changer.
Establishing Feliyon Enterprise
With the knowledge and skills acquired from the REP training, Felicia set out to establish her own palm oil processing enterprise in Bosomtweyeagya, a location strategically chosen to minimize competition with her brother’s business. She registered Feliyon Enterprise and, with an initial team of six employees, began producing high-quality palm oil for both domestic and industrial markets.
Beyond training, REP played a crucial role in equipping Felicia with the necessary machinery, including milling machines and other essential accessories. Additionally, she learned vital business management skills such as maintaining hygiene standards, keeping accurate financial records, and ensuring product quality. These skills have been instrumental in shaping Feliyon Enterprise into a reputable and competitive business in the palm oil sector.
Expansion and Employment Creation
Today, Feliyon Enterprise has grown significantly, employing ten full-time workers who are remunerated based on their daily contributions. Felicia’s commitment to fair labor practices and the well-being of her employees has fostered a positive and productive work environment, earning her the respect and loyalty of her workforce.
As her business continues to expand, Felicia is keen on investing in advanced machinery and technology to enhance efficiency and increase production capacity. She particularly seeks equipment that will streamline the harvesting of palm fruits, thereby reducing labor costs and improving overall productivity. By modernizing her operations, she aims to position Feliyon Enterprise as a leading player in Ghana’s palm oil industry.
Vision for the Future
Felicia’s aspirations extend beyond her immediate community. She envisions securing supply contracts with schools and exploring export opportunities to expand her market reach. This expansion would not only boost her income but also create new economic opportunities for her community.
Despite her ambitions, Felicia remains deeply appreciative of the support she has received from REP. She encourages other entrepreneurs to take advantage of the resources and training offered by the BAC, emphasizing how instrumental these initiatives have been in her business journey.
“BAC has been instrumental in helping me establish and grow my business. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the resources and support they offer,” she affirms.
A Model for Sustainable Entrepreneurship
As Feliyon Enterprise continues to thrive, Felicia remains steadfast in her commitment to building a sustainable business that contributes to economic development. While she has plans to acquire landed property, her immediate focus is on expanding her enterprise into a medium-scale business, with hopes of transitioning into a large-scale operation in the foreseeable future.
Felicia’s journey is a testament to the transformative impact of REP in empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth. With unwavering determination, hard work, and the right support, she is well on her way to achieving her dreams and making a lasting impact in Ghana’s agro-processing industry.
Through the continued support of REP and Felicia’s visionary leadership, Feliyon Enterprise stands as a shining example of how small businesses can drive local development and create sustainable livelihoods
Enterprise Profile:
• Enterprise Name: Feliyon Enterprise
• Founder & CEO: Felicia Senyo
• Location: Bosomtweyeagya, Asante Akyem District
• Industry: Palm Oil Processing
