| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host: | FSDH Merchant Bank, Africa Guarantee Fund, and WEAV Capital |
| Eligible Countries: | Nigeria |
| Reward: | Investment readiness training, investor exposure, mentorship, debt financing of up to $1,000,000, and equity investment of up to $750,000 |
| Deadline: | June 11, 2026 |
| Application Link: | Click here to apply |
| Scholarship Alerts: | To receive Scholarship Alerts on WhatsApp, Click HERE |
Applications are now open for the FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme 2026, a transformative investment readiness initiative designed to help ambitious Nigerian women-led businesses access funding, scale operations, and position themselves for long-term growth.
The FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme is a structured programme that provides a clear pathway to real capital for female entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. The programme is powered by FSDH Merchant Bank, Africa Guarantee Fund, and WEAV Capital, bringing together leading financial and investment institutions committed to supporting women-led enterprises across Nigeria.
Table of Contents
About the programme
Access to funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing female entrepreneurs. Many promising businesses struggle to secure the debt or equity financing required to expand their operations despite having innovative ideas and strong growth potential. The FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme was created to bridge this gap by equipping participants with the knowledge, tools, strategic guidance, and investor readiness support needed to attract funding.
Through a carefully designed curriculum, participants will gain practical insights into what investors and lenders look for when evaluating businesses. The programme focuses on helping entrepreneurs strengthen their operational and financial structures while preparing them to engage confidently with potential investors and financial institutions.
Eligibility criteria for FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must have an existing and viable business that generates revenue and has been operating for at least two years. The business must either be at least 50% owned by a female founder or have a woman occupying a key executive leadership role such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), or Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
In addition, businesses must demonstrate strong growth potential and be actively seeking debt or equity capital. Applicants should also be willing to commit to the full duration of the programme, including all required physical sessions. Eligible businesses must operate as technology companies or technology-enabled enterprises.
Benefits of FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme
The FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme offers a wide range of benefits designed to prepare participants for successful fundraising and sustainable business growth. Selected entrepreneurs will receive practical investment readiness training, exposure to investors and financial institutions, and direct guidance from experienced industry experts. Participants will also learn how to improve their financial management systems and operational structures to meet investor expectations.
One of the most attractive aspects of the programme is the funding opportunity available to qualified businesses. Participants may gain access to debt financing of up to $1,000,000 from FSDH Merchant Bank. In addition, eligible businesses may have the opportunity to secure equity investment of up to $750,000 from WEAV Capital.
Throughout the programme, founders will learn how to strengthen their business foundations, improve their debt and equity readiness, understand investor and lender expectations, and develop investor-grade business materials. These skills are essential for attracting funding and building businesses that can achieve sustainable growth.
Another major highlight of the programme is the flagship Demo Day, where selected businesses will have the opportunity to pitch directly to investors and financial institutions. This platform provides valuable visibility and networking opportunities that could lead to strategic partnerships and funding deals.
The FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme is more than just a training initiative. It is a strategic platform that empowers women entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and connections needed to access capital and scale their businesses successfully. For female founders seeking to position their companies for investment and long-term success, this programme presents a unique opportunity that should not be missed.
Conclusion
The FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme 2026 offers Nigerian women-led businesses a rare opportunity to gain investment readiness training, connect with investors, improve business structures, and potentially access funding worth up to $1.75 million through debt and equity financing opportunities. If you own or lead a technology-driven business with growth potential and are seeking capital to scale, this programme could be the catalyst your business needs. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity.
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