OLAG Innovation Laboratory (OIL)
Launchpad for the Next Generation of African Entrepreneurs
The future of work is here. At Our Lady of Grace Senior High School (OLAG), we are not just educating students; we are building changemakers. OIL transforms bright ideas into viable businesses, tackling youth unemployment and empowering our community to build a better future.
OIL is a dedicated entrepreneurship and innovation center located on the OLAG campus in Kumasi, Ghana. We serve as a vibrant hub for collaborative learning, mentorship, and venture development, supporting students and alumni under 35 to build sustainable, scalable, and socially responsible businesses. Our mission is to prepare young Ghanaians to become job creators, equipping them with practical skills, seed funding, and the support network they need to succeed.
Ghana faces a significant youth unemployment challenge. Despite their talent and capability, many young graduates struggle to find opportunities. The gap between education and employment often leaves creative ideas unexplored.
At OLAG, we witness this firsthand. Our talented students and alumni frequently lack the practical entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and seed funding needed to launch their ventures. OIL bridges this gap, providing the structured support system that turns potential into prosperity.
Driving the Global Goals
OIL contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by empowering youth and fostering innovation.
| SDG | Goal | OIL’s Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1 | No Poverty | Business creation that generates income and employment |
| SDG 4 | Quality Education | Hands-on entrepreneurship education |
| SDG 5 | Gender Equality | Actively supporting young women entrepreneurs |
| SDG 8 | Decent Work & Growth | Skills and funding to create self-directed work |
| SDG 9 | Innovation | Development of new solutions through startups |
| SDG 13 | Climate Action | Encouraging green businesses and eco-innovations |
Our Beneficiaries
The Innovation Laboratory empowers two key groups within the OLAG community:
Current Students of OLAG Senior High School with a passion for innovation
Alumni aged 35 years and below ready to turn business ideas into reality
How We Help
Entrepreneurship Training — Foundational knowledge and practical skills
Idea Generation & Validation — Workshops to refine and test your concept
One-on-One Mentorship — Guidance from experienced professionals
Seed Funding — Access to capital through our revolving grant scheme
Incubation & Acceleration — Dedicated support to scale your venture
Where We Invest
We welcome ideas from any sector, with special emphasis on:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Agribusiness | Value-added products, organic farming, agro-tech |
| Technology | Mobile apps, digital platforms, fintech, edtech |
| Creative Arts | Fashion design, photography, crafts, music |
| Education | Tutoring services, digital learning tools |
| Health & Wellness | Health education, mental wellness, community health |
| Green Economy | Recycling, clean energy, sustainable packaging |
| Hospitality | Catering, event planning, food delivery |
| Services | Logistics, digital freelancing, consultancy |
What OIL Means for You
For Students & Alumni
Access to practical entrepreneurship education and resources
Mentorship from industry experts
Seed funding and incubation support
Skills development for the 21st-century economy
For OLAG (The School)
Strengthened reputation as an impact-driven institution
Enhanced alumni engagement and pride
Real-world platform for applying classroom learning
Attracts partnerships with donors and organizations
For the Community
Job creation and local economic growth
Social impact from community-based solutions
Stronger relationships between school and local stakeholders
The OLAG Innovation Laboratory is building a network of mentors, partners, and donors. If you are interested in supporting OIL, we invite you to join us in empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
Become a Mentor — Share your expertise and guide young entrepreneurs
Partner With Us — Collaborate as an institutional or corporate partner
Donate — Contribute to our revolving grant scheme and operational fund
Location
Our Lady of Grace Senior High School
Kumasi, Ghana — West Africa
Contact
Email: oil@olag.edu.gh