Apply for FSDH Merchant Bank – Female Founders Growth Programme 2026 (Up to $2 Million in Financing)

Application Deadline: June 11, 2026

About the 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. Qualifying participants may access up to $2 million in combined debt and equity financing, including up to $750,000 in equity investment from WEAV Capital and between $200,000 and $1,000,000 in debt financing from FSDH Merchant Bank. Participants will also gain exposure to a curated network of early-stage investors and strategic ecosystem partners. At the end of the programme, selected businesses will pitch to investors and financial institutions during the flagship Demo Day.

Who Should Apply?

• Have an existing and viable business with revenue
• Be 2 years old or more
• Either be:
• 50% or more owned by a female founder, OR
• have a female in the C-suite (CEO, 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

Programme Highlights

• Investment Readiness Training
• Expert Support
• In-Person Workshops
• Pitch Competition & Demo Day

Why This Programme Matters

Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers to growth for female founders in Nigeria. According to industry reports, women-led businesses receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital and debt financing, despite often demonstrating strong performance and growth potential.

The Female Founders Growth Programme addresses this gap by:

• Providing structured investment readiness training to prepare businesses for investor scrutiny
• Offering access to significant financing – up to $2 million in combined debt and equity
• Creating a pathway to real capital – not just training, but actual funding opportunities
• Building visibility through Demo Day and exposure to a curated network of investors
• Supporting tech and tech-enabled businesses across sectors

For Nigerian women founders of tech or tech-enabled businesses that are at least two years old with revenue, this programme offers a unique opportunity to become investment-ready, access significant capital, and scale their ventures.

What Participants Stand to Gain

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

How to Apply

Application Link: Click here to apply

Application Deadline: June 11, 2026 (11:59 PM WAT)

Ready to Scale Your Business?

If you are building a female-led tech or tech-enabled business and preparing for the next phase of growth, this programme is for you. Take the next step toward becoming investment-ready and positioning your business for meaningful capital opportunities.

For More Information: Visit the Official FSDH Female Founders Growth Programme Page