FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme 2026 for Nigerian Women-Led Startups and SMEs

Access to finance remains one of the most significant barriers to business growth for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Many promising ventures struggle to secure the debt or equity financing required to expand operations, create jobs, and scale sustainably.

The FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme aims to bridge this gap by equipping female founders with the knowledge, tools, and investor connections needed to strengthen their businesses and unlock funding opportunities.

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Own or operate an existing revenue-generating business
2. Have been in operation for at least two years
3. Be at least 50% female-owned, or have a woman serving in a C-suite position (CEO, COO, or CTO)
4. Demonstrate strong growth potential
5. Be actively seeking debt or equity financing
6. Be willing to participate in all programme activities, including physical sessions
7. Operate a technology company or a technology-enabled business

Programme Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

1. Practical investment-readiness training
2. Direct exposure to investors and financial institutions
3. Mentorship and guidance from experienced industry experts
4. Support in strengthening financial and operational structures
5. Enhanced positioning for investment and lending opportunities
6. Potential access to debt financing of up to $1 million from FSDH Merchant Bank
7. Opportunity to secure equity investment of up to $750,000 from WEAV Capital

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What Participants Will Learn

Participants will gain valuable insights into how to:

1. Develop investor-ready pitch materials
2. Improve debt and equity funding readiness
3. Understand investor expectations and requirements
4. Strengthen business operations and financial management
5. Position their businesses for long-term, sustainable growth

Demo Day Opportunity

At the conclusion of the programme, selected businesses will have the opportunity to pitch directly to investors and financial institutions during the programme’s flagship Demo Day event.

Application Deadline: 11 June 2026

Apply Here