Applications Now Open for the Female Founders Growth Programme 2.0

FSDH Merchant Bank, in partnership with Africa Guarantee Fund, and WEAV Capital, is pleased to announce the launch of the second edition of the Female Founders Growth Programme, a structured investment readiness programme designed to support ambitious Nigerian women building and leading tech and tech-enabled businesses. 

As women-led businesses continue to drive innovation and economic growth across sectors, access to capital remains one of the most significant barriers to scaling sustainably. The Female Founders Growth Programme was created to help bridge that gap by equipping participants with the tools, knowledge, and strategic support required to strengthen their businesses and prepare for meaningful funding opportunities. 

Designed for female-founded and female-led businesses that are ready for their next phase of growth, the programme combines practical investment readiness training, expert-led masterclasses, investor preparation support, and access to strategic networks. 

Participants will gain support to strengthen their financial and operational structures, improve debt and equity readiness, understand investor and lender expectations, and build investor-grade materials. They will also benefit from exposure to investors and financial institutions, networking opportunities with fellow founders, and guidance from experienced industry experts. 

Qualifying participants may also access significant funding opportunities, including up to $1,000,000 in debt financing from FSDH Merchant Bank and up to $750,000 in equity investment from WEAV Capital, subject to eligibility and investment readiness. 

At the end of the programme, selected businesses will pitch to investors and financial institutions during the flagship Demo Day, creating further opportunities for visibility, strategic partnerships, and capital access. 

Who Should Apply? 

The programme is open to female-founded and female-led businesses operating in Nigeria. Eligible businesses should: 

• Have an existing and viable business with revenue 

• Be at least 2 years old 

• Be either at least 50% female-owned, or have a female in the C-suite (CEO, COO, or CTO) 

• Demonstrate clear growth potential 

• Be seeking debt or equity capital 

• Require funding of at least USD 200,000 

• Be willing to commit to the full duration of the programme, including physical sessions 

• Operate as a technology company or technology-enabled business 

Apply Now 

If you are building or leading a tech or tech-enabled business and preparing for the next phase of growth, this programme is designed for you. 

Applications are now open and will close on 11th June 2026. 

Apply here: businessbanking.fsdhgroup.com/ffgp/ 

If one woman wins, we all win.