The FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme 2026 has opened applications, offering Nigerian women-led businesses a structured pathway to investment readiness and access to significant funding opportunities.
The programme is powered by FSDH Merchant Bank in collaboration with the Africa Guarantee Fund and WEAV Capital, and is designed to support high-potential women entrepreneurs building scalable, technology-driven or tech-enabled businesses.
It provides selected founders with intensive training, strategic advisory support, and investor engagement opportunities aimed at strengthening operational capacity and improving access to capital.
Successful applicants may gain access to debt financing of up to $1 million through FSDH Merchant Bank, as well as potential equity investment of up to $750,000 via WEAV Capital. The programme also includes a Demo Day where participants pitch directly to investors and financial institutions.
Eligibility is targeted at Nigerian women-led businesses that are at least two years old and already generating revenue. Companies must demonstrate growth potential and be actively seeking either debt or equity funding. Qualification requires either majority female ownership (50% or more) or a female executive in a senior leadership role such as CEO, COO, or CTO. Only technology or technology-enabled businesses are eligible.
Beyond funding access, the programme offers investment readiness training, mentorship from industry experts, and support in strengthening financial and operational structures to improve long-term scalability.
The application deadline is June 11, 2026, and candidates are expected to commit fully to the programme, including physical sessions.
The initiative reflects growing efforts within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem to expand capital access for women entrepreneurs and strengthen participation in the country’s fast-growing tech-driven SME sector.
