Deadline: February 9, 2026
Applications are open for the SheAscends Program 2026. SheAscends is a women-focused accelerator supporting growth-stage entrepreneurs in Lagos, Nigeria. The program helps female founders unlock financial access, strengthen investment readiness, and scale impact-driven businesses. Through practical mentorship from industry experts and training workshops (virtual and in-person), SheAscends builds the capability women entrepreneurs need to grow.
Benefits
- Mentorship from Industry Experts: One-on-one guidance from people who’ve built what you’re building. Practical advice on operations, finance, and growth tailored to your business.
- Training Workshops: Virtual and in-person sessions covering financial management, pricing, operations, and everything else you need to scale with confidence.
- Access to Growth Capital: Up to ₦1,000,000 per business for qualified participants. Capital to buy equipment, stock inventory, or invest in what moves your business forward.
- A Community of Women Building: Join a cohort of women entrepreneurs. Share challenges, learn together, and build relationships that outlast the program.
- Visibility & Storytelling: Featuring selected startups in case studies, media showcases, and Seedstars channels to highlight your journey and impact.
- Impact Measurement & Gender-Lens Integration: Training and resources to design inclusive products, integrate gender KPIs, and scale gender-equitable innovation.
- Ecosystem Opportunities: Strategic Partnerships, Facilitation of collaborations with development agencies, investors, and corporates committed to advancing women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility
- Open to early and mid-growth stage businesses with proven revenue. You’ve moved past the idea phase, you’re selling, serving customers, and ready to scale.
- Revenue: Minimum ₦6,000,000 annual revenue.
- Ownership: Women in ownership/leadership, women as core customers, or women-forward employment practices.
- Age: 30–45 years old.
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria (pilot phase).
- Sectors: They welcome businesses across industries. Food, retail, fashion, beauty, services, agriculture, and more.
- Model: For-profit, tech-enabled (traditional businesses with a strong digital edge are eligible).
Application
For more information, visit SheAscends Program.
