Call for Applications: AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme 2025 Apply Now

The AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme 2025 is a flagship initiative by the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) designed to empower early-growth-stage women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. 

For this cohort, AWIEF has partnered with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited to address the significant financing gap faced by women-owned and women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (WSMEs) in Africa, estimated at $49 billion. 

The programme leverages the African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative, which aims to unlock up to $3 billion in financing for WSMEs across the continent.

Programme Overview:

Duration: 12 months

Target Participants: 100 women entrepreneurs and founders with businesses registered and operating in Nigeria

Objective: To enhance investment readiness and facilitate access to finance, markets, and growth opportunities for WSMEs

Support Offered:

High-level business development training

Tailored mentorship and advisory services

Access to credit and financing opportunities through FSDH Merchant Bank

Networking and strategic partnership opportunities

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify, businesses must meet at least one of the following:

Ownership: 51% women-owned or founded by a woman

Leadership: At least 20% of senior management or 10% of the board consists of women

Impact: Products or services that enhance the well-being of women/girls or promote gender equity

Additional requirements:

• Based and operating in Nigeria.
• Post-revenue stage (generating income).
• Highly innovative and scalable ventures.
• In operation for at least three years.
• Owned or led by ambitious and committed entrepreneurs.
• Seeking investment, credit, or financing to scale and expand.

Participants will receive:

1. Comprehensive training and expert mentorship to refine business models and growth strategies
2. Connections to experienced mentors for personalized guidance
3. Support in becoming credit- and investment-ready, with opportunities to access loans from FSDH Merchant Bank
4. Enhanced visibility and networking within a community of women entrepreneurs

How to Apply:

• Sign up and create an account on the official application portal
• Complete the application form with accurate details (progress can be saved and resumed later)
• Submit before the deadline (edits allowed until the cutoff date)

Application Link: https://awief.untapinnovate.com/home-page#prId=333137

Deadline: Monday, March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM WAT