The Female Founders Growth Programme is a unique opportunity designed to help ambitious women entrepreneurs in Nigeria prepare their businesses for investment, scale sustainably, and access significant funding opportunities. Created specifically for female-led technology and technology-enabled businesses, the programme provides structured support, expert guidance, and direct exposure to investors and financial institutions.
Powered by FSDH Merchant Bank, Africa Guarantee Fund, and WEAV Capital, the initiative aims to bridge one of the biggest challenges facing women entrepreneurs: access to capital. Through comprehensive investment readiness training and hands-on support, participants will gain the skills and resources needed to position their businesses for growth and long-term success.
About the Female Founders Growth Programme
The programme is a specialized investment readiness initiative that helps female-led businesses become more attractive to investors and lenders. It focuses on strengthening business operations, improving financial management, and preparing founders to successfully raise capital.
Participants will receive strategic guidance from experienced professionals and gain valuable insights into what investors look for when evaluating businesses. The programme is designed to move companies from growth-stage operations to investment-ready enterprises capable of securing funding and expanding their impact.
At the end of the programme, selected participants will have the opportunity to present their businesses to investors and financial institutions during a flagship Demo Day event.
Also Apply For: RioCan and BlackNorth Initiative Bursary 2026/2027
Funding Opportunities Available
One of the most attractive aspects of the programme is the possibility of accessing substantial financing opportunities.
Qualifying businesses may be considered for up to $2 million in combined debt and equity funding, including:
- Up to $750,000 in equity investment from WEAV Capital
- Between $200,000 and $1,000,000 in debt financing from FSDH Merchant Bank
In addition, participants will gain visibility within a network of investors, ecosystem partners, and business leaders who can support future growth.
Why This Programme Matters
Despite the growing number of women-led businesses across Africa, many female entrepreneurs continue to face difficulties securing the capital needed to scale their ventures.
The Female Founders Growth Programme addresses this challenge by helping participants:
- Build stronger business structures
- Improve financial management systems
- Understand debt and equity financing
- Develop investor-ready documentation
- Learn how investors assess businesses
- Position themselves for sustainable growth
- Increase visibility among funding organizations
By providing practical education and access to funding networks, the programme helps women entrepreneurs overcome barriers that often limit business expansion.
Programme Highlights
Participants will benefit from a wide range of activities designed to strengthen their businesses and improve investment readiness.
Investment Readiness Training
Founders will participate in structured training sessions focused on business growth, fundraising, financial planning, and investor engagement.
Expert Support
Industry professionals and experienced advisors will provide guidance throughout the programme, helping participants strengthen their business strategies and prepare for future investment opportunities.
In-Person Workshops
The programme includes physical workshops where founders can engage directly with experts, learn from peers, and gain practical insights into scaling their businesses.
Pitch Competition and Demo Day
At the conclusion of the programme, selected businesses will pitch their companies before investors, lenders, and key stakeholders during a dedicated Demo Day event.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is specifically designed for female-led businesses that are ready for their next phase of growth.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have an existing business that generates revenue
- Have operated for at least two years
- Be at least 50% owned by a female founder, or have a woman serving in a C-suite leadership position such as CEO, COO, or CTO
- Demonstrate strong growth potential
- Be seeking debt or equity financing
- Be willing to participate fully in all programme activities, including physical sessions
- Operate as a technology company or a technology-enabled business
Businesses younger than two years are not eligible for the programme.
Benefits for Participants
Selected founders will receive practical support that can help transform their businesses and improve their ability to attract investors.
Key benefits include:
- Comprehensive investment readiness training
- Access to industry experts and advisors
- Exposure to investors and financial institutions
- Improved operational and financial structures
- Better positioning for debt and equity funding
- Access to potential debt financing of up to $1 million
- Opportunity to secure equity investment of up to $750,000
- Networking opportunities with ecosystem partners and investors
These resources can significantly improve a company’s ability to scale and compete in local and international markets.
Application Deadline
Interested applicants should complete and submit their applications before the official deadline.
Application Deadline: June 11, 2026
Time: 11:59 PM WAT
The application process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
To increase the chances of selection, applicants should:
- Clearly explain their business model and growth strategy
- Demonstrate revenue generation and market traction
- Highlight leadership experience
- Provide evidence of growth potential
- Explain how funding will be used to scale the business
- Ensure all application details are complete and accurate
Businesses that show strong fundamentals and a clear path to growth are more likely to stand out during the selection process.
Apply Now!
The Female Founders Growth Programme 2026 represents a valuable opportunity for Nigerian women entrepreneurs seeking to scale their businesses and attract investment. With expert-led training, investor readiness support, mentorship, and access to potential funding worth up to $2 million, the programme offers the tools needed to accelerate business growth.
Female founders operating technology or technology-enabled businesses are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their companies, connect with investors, and prepare for long-term success.
For more information, visit the Female Founders Growth Programme.
