Open Call: WIBC 2026 – Women in Business Competition (₦3 Million Equity-Free Prize Pool)

Application Deadline: August 29, 2026

About the Competition

WIBC (Women in Business Competition) is dedicated to supporting women-led businesses by providing a comprehensive platform that fosters growth, development, and visibility. The program offers structured assessment processes that help women entrepreneurs evaluate and refine their business models, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and develop strategies for sustainable growth. Through capacity-building initiatives, WIBC equips women founders with essential skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, thereby empowering them to scale their ventures effectively. In addition to assessment and capacity building, WIBC offers significant exposure opportunities, enabling women entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses to a broader audience, potential investors, and industry stakeholders. This increased visibility can attract new customers, partnerships, and investment opportunities that are crucial for business expansion. One of the key features of WIBC is the opportunity for women-led startups to pitch for equity-free funding. This means that selected businesses can secure financial support without giving up ownership or equity in their company, making it a highly attractive and empowering prospect for women entrepreneurs seeking capital to accelerate their growth. The competition is organized by The SME Mall, an initiative committed to fostering small and medium-sized enterprises and promoting inclusive economic development. WIBC aims to address the persistent funding gap that often holds back women founders from scaling their businesses. By providing accessible funding opportunities, mentorship, and exposure, WIBC seeks to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs and help them overcome barriers related to access to finance. The WIBC is more than just a competition; it is a strategic platform designed to nurture women-led businesses, promote gender equity in entrepreneurship, and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse business ecosystem.

Why WIBC (Women in Business Competition) Exists

Access, not ability, is what holds most women founders back.

• Less than 8% of startup funding in Nigeria reaches women-led businesses — not because they lack ideas, but because the system wasn’t built for them
• 7 in 10 female-led SMEs cite lack of capital as their number one barrier to growth, yet fewer than 1 in 4 have applied for a business loan
• ₦3,000,000 in equity-free capital goes directly to three women founders at the Grand Finale. No interest. No equity. No conditions.

What You Receive

• Personalised business assessment and scores
• Practical guidance to strengthen business gaps
• Capacity-building sessions across six areas
• Opportunity to pitch for equity-free funding
• Exposure to experts, investors, and business networks

Eligibility Criteria

• Woman founder or business owner
• Nigerian business or qualifying idea
• Able to complete the Business Health Check
• Ready to provide required business information
• Available for mandatory programme dates
• Available in Lagos for the finale if selected

The WIBC (Women in Business Competition) Journey

Step 1: Register Interest
Tell us who you are and how to reach you. Registration does not require payment. (Free, under 2 minutes)

Step 2: Complete the Business Health Check (BHC)
Answer the Business Health Check questions and receive a personalised business score across 6 business themes. (₦7,500 standard / ₦10,000 late)

Step 3: Review Your Results
See strengths, gaps, and practical next steps before continuing your application. (Immediate result)

Step 4: Submit Your Application
Complete your business and financial information, then provide a two-minute pitch video.

Step 5: Build Capacity
Join optional capacity-building sessions across the six business pillars. (Open to everyone)

Step 6: Selection & Semi-Final
Eligible applications are reviewed and the strongest businesses progress to virtual pitching. (September 5)

Step 7: Grand Finale
Six finalists pitch live, with the top three sharing ₦3 million in funding. (September 12, Lagos, free to attend)

Prizes

• First Place (Grand Prize): ₦1.5 million
• Second Place: ₦1 million
• Third Place: ₦500,000

Funding is equity-free, with no interest and no conditions.

Business Health Check

The BHC helps you see where your business is doing well and where it needs attention. You’ll receive scores and practical guidance you can use, even if you don’t move to the next stage of WIBC.

Assessment Areas:

• Legal & compliance
• Technology & tools
• People & human resources
• Business advisory
• Marketing & branding
• Finance & accounting

Why This WIBC (Women in Business Competition) Matters

WIBC addresses the systemic funding gap that prevents women-led businesses in Nigeria from accessing capital. By providing equity-free funding, structured business assessment, and capacity building, the competition empowers women founders to strengthen their businesses and compete for meaningful financial support. For women founders or business owners in Nigeria, this competition offers:

• ₦3 million in equity-free prize funding
• Personalised business assessment across six pillars
• Capacity-building sessions to strengthen business gaps
• Exposure to experts, investors, and business networks
• A platform to pitch for funding and recognition

Key Facts

• Total Prize Pool: ₦3 million (equity-free)
• Number of Finalists: 6
• Grand Finale: September 12, 2026 (Lagos, free to attend)
• Application Fee: ₦7,500 (standard) / ₦10,000 (late registration)

Key Dates

• Applications Close: August 29, 2026
• Virtual Semi-Final: September 5, 2026
• Grand Finale: September 12, 2026 (Lagos, free to attend)

How to Apply

Application Link: Click here to apply