The Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business has expanded beyond the United States, offering entrepreneurs worldwide the opportunity to grow their startups while earning an accredited master’s degree. In August 2024, the program launched its global option, enrolling its first 20 founders from Africa.

To ensure the success of its global founders, Ensign Global University is serving as a key facilitating hub for the MBC Global program in Africa. With a longstanding partnership with the University of Utah across multiple initiatives, Ensign Global University was a natural choice to collaborate on this effort.

As part of its mission to foster entrepreneurial thinking and drive socioeconomic progress, Ensign Global University established the Center for Leadership, Innovation, and Prosperity (CLIP) to house programs that empower entrepreneurs. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the introduction of the University of Utah’s MBC Global program on the continent.

A Commitment to Entrepreneurial Growth

According to Professor Stephen Alder, President of Ensign Global University, fostering entrepreneurial capacity has been central to the university’s vision from the beginning:

“Entrepreneurship has always been at the core of our mission. Our founders and benefactors, Dr. Lynette and Elder Robert Gay, have charged us with relentlessly seeking ways to use available resources to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create global impact. We embrace this challenge wholeheartedly and are proud of the progress we’ve made— with much more to come.”

“We are working quickly to expand the MBC Global option to every continent,” said Jeff Davis, director of the MBC Global program and a professor in the marketing department at the Eccles School. “We want entrepreneurs everywhere to have the opportunity to participate in this unmatched program for working entrepreneurs. Within a couple of years, we expect to have founders from every corner of the world participating.”

Beyond serving as a central meeting point for MBC Global founders, Ensign Global University has established local partnerships with experienced entrepreneurs in Ghana to serve as preceptors—mentors who provide guidance and hands-on support to program participants.

One of these preceptors is Martyn Mensah, a longtime partner of Ensign Global University and a successful entrepreneur in Ghana. Describing his role, Mensah explains:

“The preceptor helps the founder refine and stay on course with their business. In this program, it’s not just about the entrepreneur—it’s about ensuring that everything they learn is applied to their business in real-time. The preceptor plays a crucial role in making sure that happens while fine-tuning the experience to the founder’s specific needs.”

Through this mentorship model, Ensign Global University is ensuring that African entrepreneurs receive tailored support, bridging the gap between world-class business education and the practical realities of launching and scaling a business in Africa.

A Growing Partnership for Prosperity

Ensign Global University is proud to partner with the University of Utah in expanding the MBC Global program across Africa. By providing resources, mentorship, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Ensign Global University is reinforcing its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and global prosperity in Ghana and beyond. Jeff Davis, director of the MBC Global program and a professor in the marketing department at the Eccles School, highlights the program’s impact:

“Founders will not find a more effective and rewarding program to grow their business while also earning a U.S.-accredited master’s degree. The MBC program offers a unique opportunity by combining a premier accelerator experience with a nationally ranked university.”

Meet the African Entrepreneurs in the First Cohort

The first African MBC Global cohort represents a diverse group of entrepreneurs tackling critical challenges in health, education, and business:

Samuel Quansah (Ghana) – Founder of Createch Motives Afrika

• Provides STEAM education to African youth, equipping them with problem-solving skills.
• “The MBC program challenges my thinking, helping me refine my venture in a transformative way,” says Samuel.

Caroline Pomeyie (Ghana) – Founder of Oceans Mall

• Connects small-scale fishers to urban markets via digital supply chains, reducing post-harvest losses.
• “I saw an opportunity to create impact and wealth in an overlooked sector. The MBC program provides the insights I need to scale my business,” Caroline expressed.

Dr. Emmanuel Egbroko (South Africa) – Founder of Inocul8

• Improves access to preventive healthcare through digital platforms offering lab tests, immunizations, and telemedicine services.
• “The MBC program is helping me build a sustainable and scalable business model,” emphasized Emmanuel.

For more information on the MBC Global program or to apply, visit eccles.utah.edu/mbc/global