Apply for the AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme for women-owned or women-led SMEs in Nigeria.

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has announced the launch of its AWIEF Growth Accelerator programme in Nigeria, in collaboration with renowned global brand Victoria’s Secret & Co.

AWIEF is implementing this programme as part of The Tour Impact Fund, an initiative by Victoria’s Secret aimed at promoting gender equality, empowering women worldwide, and amplifying their voices.

Being one of only four organizations worldwide partnering with Victoria’s Secret on The Tour Impact Fund, AWIEF is proud to join forces with this leading retailer to expand its flagship AWIEF Growth Accelerator to women-owned or women-led SMEs operating in Nigeria.

This partnership is driven by the shared vision of AWIEF and Victoria’s Secret for a more inclusive world, as well as their commitment to advancing opportunities and fostering the success of women entrepreneurs. They aim to empower and equip these entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and tools to achieve sustainable growth and scalability in their businesses.

Both Victoria’s Secret and AWIEF strongly believe in the transformative power of women entrepreneurs to bring about positive change in society

.

The AWIEF Growth Accelerator has been in operation since 2017, offering a premier business development initiative tailored to assist women-owned or women-led ventures focused on high growth. The programme includes top-tier training in business development and growth strategies, corporate guidance, mentorship, personalized support, networking opportunities, and access to financial resources.

Invitation for Submissions

In the year 2024, AWIEF has teamed up with Victoria’s Secret to present a unique chance for twenty (20) female founders and/or leaders of innovative, rapidly expanding businesses in Nigeria. These individuals will have the opportunity to take part in a seven-month, impactful programme aimed at preparing them for investment.

The AWIEF Growth Accelerator in Nigeria is open to businesses across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on technology-driven and technology-enhanced enterprises in key industries like agriculture, healthcare, education, the creative sector, financial services, renewable energy, logistics, and climate-friendly solutions.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for selection, businesses must meet the following criteria:

Ownership: Women-owned (>51%).

OR

Leadership: Women-led at C-Suite or equivalent level.

OR

Product or service specifically or disproportionately benefits women.

Furthermore, enterprises are required to meet the following criteria:

1. They must be established and functioning within Nigeria.
2. They should be highly creative and possess the potential for significant growth.
3. They should have already generated revenue.
4. They must have been operational for a minimum of three years.
5. They should be owned or led by determined and dedicated female entrepreneurs.
6. They must be actively seeking investment or funding to enhance their operations and expand their reach.
   Please note that the deadline for submitting applications is 11:59pm West Africa Time (WAT) on 24th March 2024.
7. Applications will only be accepted through this link: https://apo-opa.co/3wr6pgH