Deadline Date: June 11, 2026
The Female Founders Growth Programme is a structured investment readiness initiative designed to help ambitious Nigerian women-led businesses strengthen their operations, improve investor readiness, and access funding opportunities for sustainable growth.
The programme focuses on strengthening business and financial structures, improving debt and equity readiness, understanding investor and lender expectations, building investor-grade materials, positioning businesses for sustainable growth, increasing visibility with investors and financial institutions, providing investment readiness training, expert support, in-person workshops, pitch competition opportunities, and demo day engagement.
Powered by FSDH Merchant Bank, Africa Guarantee Fund, and WEAV Capital, the programme provides participants with practical tools, strategic guidance, and support to prepare their businesses for investment. The initiative addresses one of the most significant challenges faced by female entrepreneurs—access to capital—by helping participants become better positioned to secure funding from investors and financial institutions.
Through a structured learning and mentorship process, participants will gain a deeper understanding of investment requirements and develop stronger business foundations. The programme is designed to enhance financial and operational capabilities while improving the attractiveness of participating businesses to lenders and investors.
Participants will benefit from investment readiness training, access to industry experts, exposure to a network of investors and financial institutions, and opportunities to showcase their businesses through a pitch competition and demo day. The programme also facilitates connections with strategic ecosystem partners and early-stage investors.
Qualifying participants may access up to $2 million in combined debt and equity financing. This includes the opportunity to secure up to $750,000 in equity investment from WEAV Capital and between $200,000 and $1,000,000 in debt financing from FSDH Merchant Bank.
Eligible applicants must operate an existing and viable revenue-generating business that is at least two years old. Businesses must be either at least 50 percent owned by a female founder or have a woman serving in a C-suite leadership role such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or Chief Technology Officer. Applicants should demonstrate growth potential, be seeking debt or equity capital, be willing to participate in the full programme including physical sessions, and operate as a technology company or a technology-enabled business.
For more information, visit FSDH Merchant Bank.
