In 2010, Regina Abraham, now the proud Chief Executive Officer of Regilac Enterprise, embarked on an unexpected entrepreneurial journey. As a mother, she sought to create nutritious homemade cereals by experimenting with different grains and powdered vegetables to ensure her children’s healthy growth. At the time, the idea of turning this into a commercial venture was far from her mind.
Encouraged by the visible improvements in her children’s health and weight, Regina began sharing her homemade cereals with friends, classmates, and church members. It was during this period that she received a life-changing recommendation from Mr. Amoako Hene, the District Director of BAC in the Bogoso-Prestea-Huni Valley District. Seeing the potential in her nutritious blends, he encouraged her to consider commercializing her recipes. This suggestion marked the beginning of Regina’s entrepreneurial journey and her partnership with the BAC.
Partnering with REP: A Transformative Journey
The Business Advisory Centre introduced Regina to REP, an initiative co-funded by IFAD aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in Ghana. Through REP, Regina received extensive training in financial management, business development, marketing, and branding—skills that would become crucial in shaping her business.
“The training changed everything for me,” Regina reflects. “I learned how to manage my finances effectively and make strategic business decisions. Without this support, I wouldn’t have been able to scale my business the way I have.”
Beyond the technical skills, REP provided opportunities for Regilac Enterprise to participate in national and regional exhibitions, where Regina could showcase her products and build a wider customer base. These platforms were instrumental in creating brand visibility and connecting with new markets.
Investing in Equipment: A Game-Changer for Regilac
One of the most significant ways REP supported Regina was by providing access to machinery that significantly improved production efficiency. Through the Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) programme, Regilac received a dehydrator, a machine that was a game-changer in the drying and extraction process of vegetables before milling.
“This machine revolutionized my production process,” she explains. “It not only sped up the drying process but also ensured consistency in the quality of my cereals.”
While Regina continues to seek additional grants and matching funds to expand her production line, the equipment she has acquired through REP’s support has already enhanced her ability to meet growing market demand.
Enhancing Branding and Packaging
With the knowledge gained from REP’s training and exposure to best industry practices, Regina significantly improved the packaging of her products. Initially, she struggled with basic packaging, but today, Regilac cereals boast professionally designed and customer-approved packaging that competes well in the market.
“Our customers love the new look of our products,” Regina says proudly. “We now produce over 1,000 packages monthly, which is a huge leap from when we first started.”
This transformation has not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of Regilac’s cereals but has also increased their shelf life and marketability, making them competitive in both local and national markets.
Empowering Women and Creating Employment
Regilac Enterprise has grown beyond a family-run operation to a business that is creating economic opportunities in the Bogoso community. The business currently employs two women on a full-time basis, contributing to local economic development and women’s empowerment.
“As my business grows, I hope to employ even more people, particularly women who are looking for stable income opportunities,” Regina shares.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Production and Market Reach
Regina’s aspirations for Regilac Enterprise extend far beyond its current success. She envisions expanding her production capacity by acquiring more modern machinery and establishing a permanent structure for her business. These advancements, she believes, will further improve efficiency and position her brand as a leading player in Ghana’s cereal industry.
“I am eager to scale up my business,” she states. “With the continued support of REP, I hope to access more funding and technology to take Regilac to the next level.”
To realize this vision, Regina appeals to REP and other stakeholders to enhance their support by facilitating access to more advanced equipment and business expansion resources. She believes that with the right tools, her enterprise can make an even greater impact on nutrition, employment, and economic growth in Ghana.
A Testament to the Power of Rural Enterprise Development
Regina Abraham’s journey is a testament to how strategic support and training can transform small-scale businesses into thriving enterprises. Through IFAD’s Rural Enterprises Programme, she has not only built a sustainable business but has also created employment and contributed to local food security.
As she continues to innovate and expand, Regina remains grateful for the role REP has played in her success. Her story exemplifies the impact of empowering entrepreneurs, particularly women, to harness their skills, commercialize their innovations, and drive economic growth in their communities.
Enterprise: Regilac Cereals
C.E.O: Regina Abraham
Location: Bogoso
