Step-by-Step Application Guidelines

Take some time to go through the application guidelines

Go to Application

1. Overview of the Application Portal

The online application portal is designed to streamline the submission process. It features:

  • Phone Number Validation & OTP Verification: Ensures secure and unique access.
  • Six-Tab Application Form: Fill out your details across multiple steps, saving progress along the way.
  • Application Status Check: Verify your application status at any point using OTP.
Portal Overview Screenshot

2. Starting the Application

  1. Open the Portal: You will see a cover page introducing the SME Innovation & Inclusion Programme.
  2. Review Programme Details: Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and scope.
  3. Proceed to Application: Click the “Proceed to Application” button to begin filling in your details.
Cover Page Screenshot

3. Phone Number Entry & OTP Verification

  1. Enter Phone Number: Provide your 10-digit phone number (e.g., 0244000000).
  2. Select Action:
    • Start / Continue Application – If new or returning to your saved form.
    • Check Status – If you have applied before and want to see the current status.
  3. OTP: A 4-digit code is sent via SMS. Enter it to verify.
  4. Continue: On successful verification, a new Application ID is generated or your existing data is loaded.
OTP Verification Screenshot OTP Verification Screenshot

4. Filling Out the Multi-Step Form

After OTP verification, you’ll proceed through six tabs:

  • Tab 1: Participant Details
  • Tab 2: Business Information
  • Tab 3: Business Operations
  • Tab 4: Education & Digital Usage
  • Tab 5: Future Plans & Motivation
  • Tab 6: Summary & Declaration

Each tab includes its own fields and mandatory prompts. Use “Save & Exit”, “Save & Continue”, or the “Previous” button to navigate and preserve data.

Multi-Step Form Tabs Screenshot
Tab 1: Participant Details
  • Applicant type (PWD or SME with 10%+ PWD employees), personal & contact info.
  • Primary phone auto-filled from OTP input.
Tab 2: Business Information
  • Business name, registration details, sector, and location data.
  • Business contact numbers.
Tab 3: Business Operations
  • Operational duration, business status, employee distribution.
  • Revenue & expenses for 2023 and 2024 (profit auto-calculates).
Tab 4: Education & Digital Usage
  • Staff’s least qualification, internet source(s), platform usage.
  • Payment methods (cashless?), devices used for business.
Tab 5: Future Plans & Motivation
  • Digital needs (e-commerce, digital marketing, etc.).
  • Expectations of the programme (training, networking, etc.).
Tab 6: Summary & Declaration
  • Review all entered data, accept the declaration, and submit.
  • After submission, your status changes to “Pending.”

5. Saving & Exiting Midway

Click the “Save & Exit” button at any time to save your progress. You will receive an SMS confirming your application is in draft. To resume:

  1. Open the portal again and enter your phone number.
  2. Select “Start/Continue Application.”
  3. Verify via OTP, and the system will load your saved data.
Save and Exit Option

6. Checking Your Application Status

  1. On the main screen, enter your phone number and click “Check Status.”
  2. Enter the 4-digit OTP sent to your phone.
  3. The portal displays your current status (e.g., Not Submitted, Pending, Shortlisted, Approved, Rejected, etc.).
Status Check Screen Status Check Screen

7. Important Notes & Tips

  • Validation & Mandatory Fields: Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
  • Accurate Data: Provide correct details to avoid disqualification.
  • Disability Requirements: Indicate if you’re a PWD or employing PWD staff.
  • Application ID & Updates: Keep track of your ID and phone number for status checks.
  • Data Protection: Your data may be shared for verification. Event media (photos/videos) could be used for project promotion.

8. After Submission

Once you click “Confirm & Submit” on Tab 6:

  • Your application status changes to “Pending”.
  • Programme administrators review your details.
  • You may receive SMS notifications about updates or further requirements.
  • Check status periodically using the same phone number + OTP process.
Application Submitted

9. Troubleshooting & Support

  • No OTP Received? Wait for the countdown to finish, then click “Resend OTP.”
  • Validation Errors? Check formatting for phone numbers, Ghana Card, or GPS addresses.
  • Technical Issues? Refresh your browser or try again after some time.
  • Contact: If issues persist, reach out to the official helpdesk for assistance.
Go to Application