The FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme 2026 for Nigerian women-led businesses.

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Application Deadline: June 11, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme. The Female Founders Growth Programme is a structured investment readiness programme providing a pathway to real capital for ambitious Nigerian women-led businesses.

Powered by FSDH Merchant Bank, Africa Guarantee Fund, and WEAV Capital, the programme equips participants with the tools, strategic guidance, and investor readiness support needed to strengthen their businesses and position for funding opportunities.

Requirements

• Have an existing and viable business with revenue
• Be 2 years old or more
• Either be (a) 50% or more owned by a female founder, OR (b) have a female in the C-suite (CEO or, COO, or CTO)
• Demonstrate growth potential
• Be seeking debt or equity capital
• Be willing to commit to the full duration of the programme, including physical sessions
• Operate as a technology company or technology-enabled business

Benefit

Participants will benefit from:

• Practical investment readiness training
• Exposure to investors and financial institutions
• Guidance from industry experts
• Improved financial and operational structure
• Stronger investor and lender positioning
• Potential access to debt financing of up to $1,000,000 from FSDH Merchant Bank
• Opportunity to secure equity investment of up to $750,000 from WEAV Capital

At the end of the programme, selected businesses will pitch to investors and financial institutions during the flagship Demo Day.

Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers to growth for many female founders.

This programme is designed to help businesses bridge that gap by equipping participants with the knowledge, tools, and support required to become investment-ready.

Participants will learn how to: 

• Strengthen business and financial structures
• Improve debt and equity readiness
• Understand investor and lender expectations
• Build investor-grade materials
• Position their businesses for sustainable growth
• Gain visibility with investors and financial institutions

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme