Female Founders Growth Programme 2026: A Pathway to Capital

For ambitious women leading Nigerian businesses, securing the right capital can be a significant hurdle. The Female Founders Growth Programme 2026 offers a structured approach to bridge this gap, providing essential tools and strategic guidance for investment readiness. This program is designed to empower female founders by preparing their businesses for substantial funding opportunities.

What is the Female Founders Growth Programme?

The Female Founders Growth Programme 2026 is an investment readiness initiative specifically for women-led businesses in Nigeria. It aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and support to attract capital. The program is a collaboration between FSDH Merchant Bank, Africa Guarantee Fund, and WEAV Capital, all working together to foster growth in the female entrepreneurial sector.

Key Benefits for Participants

Participating in the Female Founders Growth Programme 2026 offers several advantages for business owners. These include practical training focused on making businesses attractive to investors, and direct exposure to a network of financial institutions and early-stage investors. Participants will receive guidance from industry experts, helping them improve their business operations and financial structures. This leads to a stronger position when seeking both debt and equity financing.

The program also highlights potential financial backing. Qualifying businesses may access up to $2 million in combined debt and equity financing. This includes up to $750,000 in equity investment from WEAV Capital. Additionally, FSDH Merchant Bank can provide between $200,000 and $1,000,000 in debt financing. At the program’s conclusion, selected businesses will have the chance to pitch their ideas to investors during a dedicated Demo Day.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Female Founders Growth Programme 2026, businesses must meet specific requirements. The business should be existing and viable, with a proven track record of revenue. It must also be at least two years old.

A key requirement is related to ownership or leadership. Businesses must either be 50% or more owned by a female founder, or have a woman in a C-suite position such as CEO, COO, or CTO. Demonstrating clear potential for growth is also essential. Applicants must be actively seeking debt or equity capital and be willing to commit to the entire program duration, including any required in-person sessions. The program specifically targets technology companies or businesses that are technology-enabled.

How to Apply

If you are a female founder leading a tech or tech-enabled business in Nigeria and are preparing for your next stage of growth, this program is designed for you. It offers a clear path to becoming investment-ready and positioning your business for significant capital opportunities. The application deadline is June 11, 2026. Interested individuals can find more information and the application link on the Female Founders Growth Programme website.

Conclusion

The Female Founders Growth Programme 2026 represents a significant opportunity for Nigerian women entrepreneurs. By providing targeted training, expert guidance, and access to investors, it aims to unlock capital and drive the growth of female-led businesses. Meeting the eligibility criteria and committing to the program’s structure can lead to substantial financial backing and strategic partnerships, propelling businesses forward.