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Here are the top ten business grants for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria to fund your woman-led business. We’ve done the hard work, so you can focus on running your business.

Access to funding remains one of the biggest obstacles for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. 

However, business grants present a unique opportunity for female business owners to secure the capital they need to start, sustain, and scale their ventures.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top business grants available specifically for Nigerian women entrepreneurs across diverse industries and at different business stages.

Whether you’re looking to expand your existing company or launch an innovative new startup, these female-specific business grants can provide the financial support and runway you need to bring your vision to life.

Top Grant Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Check out these top 10 business grants for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

1. Flourish Africa’s N1 Billion Grant for Female Entrepreneurs

The Flourish Africa Grant for Female Entrepreneurs is a N1 billion fund to support and promote African female-owned businesses over 5 years through training, coaching, mentoring, and funding.

The program’s training curriculum has been tailored to educate and prepare female entrepreneurs for their business journey, giving them wings to fly. It also gives female entrepreneurs an enabling platform for practical skill development, mentoring, and access to the marketplace.

Grant Objectives

To fund the dreams of aspiring enterprising African women and furnish them with life skills for five years.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you need to:

• Be between 18 and 50 years old.
• Identify as female. If your business is co-owned with a man, you must have at least 51% ownership with proof.
• Have access to the internet and devices for a 4-month virtual training commitment.
• Have a startup business based in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.

Application Process

• First, head over to the Flourish Africa Application Portal and create an account.
• Choose whether you’re applying as an SME, lead firm, or business association – pick whichever category fits your situation best.
• Next, carefully fill in all the fields in the application form. Don’t forget to attach any required documents before submitting.
• Finally, be sure to get your application in by the deadline. They won’t accept late submissions!

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines year 2023 were:

• April 30th for SMEs
• May 31st for lead firms
• June 30th for business associations

So for 2024, you can expect the dates to likely be around the same time. 

Grant Amount

• Up to 2 million naira in funding.

Apply Here

2. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is not specifically tailored to women, but we had to add it to the list due to its overwhelming popularity and significance. It is a leading organization empowering young African entrepreneurs across all 54 countries on the continent. 

They provide $5,000 in seed funding, mentoring, training, and more to women and men with new startup ideas or existing businesses under 5 years old.

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to new start-ups and existing young businesses operating in any sector.

Grant Objectives

To catalyze economic growth, reduce poverty, and create jobs. Their mission aligns with “Africapitalism” – the idea that the private sector drives wealth creation in Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

• Be an African citizen/resident
• Be 18+ years old
• Have an innovative business idea or registered business up to 1 year old
• Have a registered business or a business association in your country
• Have been in operation for at least one year

Application Process

• Head over to the application portal where you’ll find a form.
• The application form will require you to provide information about yourself, your business, your market, your financials, your challenges, your goals, and your impact.
• The required documents include a valid ID card or passport, proof of business registration or association membership, a bank statement or audited financial statement, a business plan or pitch deck, and a video pitch of not more than three minutes.
• The shortlisted applicants will be notified by email and invited for an online interview with the panel

Application Deadlines

The application portal will open on January 1, 2024, and close on March 31, 2024

Grant Amount

All selected applicants will receive a non-returnable seed capital of $5,000 (naira equivalent) as a matching grant to finance asset acquisition or working capital needs.

Apply Here

3. Orange Corners Nigeria Incubation Programme 

The Orange Corners Nigeria grant supports young entrepreneurs 18-35 years old with innovative ideas up to 2 years old. They provide funding, training, mentoring, and resources to help you start and grow a business that tackles local challenges and meets the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

Grant Objective

To provide financial and non-financial assistance to young entrepreneurs (aged 18-35) who have a validated innovative business concept, not more than 2 years old.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be an aspiring entrepreneur from Nigeria
• You must be between 18-35 years old
• You must have a validated innovative business concept, not more than 2 years old
• The product or service should respond to a local challenge in Nigeria and relate to the Sustainable Development Goals
• Your business concept must be innovative, feasible, and have a social impact and clarity of market.

Application Process

• Register on the Orange Corners Application Portal
• Login to apply
• Select the application category that suits your business: SMEs, lead firms, or business associations
• Fill out all the fields in the form and upload the required documents
• Submit your application before the deadline

Application Deadlines

The application deadline for the Orange Corners Nigeria Incubation Programme grant for 2023 is January 25th.  As of the time of writing, the application portal is closed.

Grant Amount

• SMEs: $5,000 – $15,000 (naira equivalent)
• Lead firms: $20,000 – $40,000 (naira equivalent) 
• Business associations: $40,000 – $50,000 (naira equivalent)

Apply Here

4. She Leads Africa High Growth Coaching Program

The She Leads Africa High Growth Coaching Program is an intensive 3-month digital training and mentorship opportunity for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

The program aims to help women-led businesses scale and accelerate growth by providing them with crucial business skills training, one-on-one coaching, access to an expert community, and opportunities to connect with investors.

This female entrepreneur business grant program combines business education, mentorship, peer support, and potential access to funding to help women take their ventures to the next level.

Grant Objective

To provide female entrepreneurs in Nigeria with business coaching, training, and mentorship to help them scale their businesses

Eligibility Criteria

• Female founder or co-founder between 18-35 years old
• Running a business in Nigeria for less than 3 years
• The business has received no more than N23,025,000 in external funding
• Social entrepreneurs are prioritized

Application Process

To apply, you need to follow these steps:

• Prepare a high-quality application package, succeed in the semi-final interviews, and be selected by the SLA team.
• Join the SLA app for your learning journey.
• Gain access to 18 monthly masterclasses on essential business skills.
• On completion, you get the chance to present your business to local and international investors during the Investor Run.

Application Deadlines

Application for 2023 opened on February 27 and closed on May 5, 2023, at 11:59 pm WAT. 

Grant Amount

The website does not specify the total funding amount awarded. It’s an intensive 3-month digital training program with the potential for applicants to receive direct financial support at a final investor pitch event.

Apply Here

5. Google for Startups Black Founders Fund for Women

The Google for Startups Black Founders Fund for Women grant is part of Google’s $10 million Black Founders Fund. This fund gives cash awards to black entrepreneurs – without asking for equity in return – as well as hands-on support to help them build and grow their businesses.

Google launched the fund back in 2020, and so far they’ve awarded over $30 million to black-led startups in Africa, Brazil, Europe, and the US. The goal is to help these entrepreneurs secure funding, strengthen their communities, and drive generational change.

Grant Objectives

To increase access to finance, markets, and business development services for Black women-owned tech businesses across the world.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a woman or have a woman as a co-founder or a key decision-maker in your business
• Identify as Black or African American
• Have a registered tech business
• You must have been in operation for at least six months
• You must operate in one of the following sectors: e-commerce, education, fintech, health tech, media, social impact, or any other sector that leverages technology to solve problems and create value

Application Process

• Register on the Google for Startups Application Portal
• Login to submit an application
• Fill out all the fields in the form and upload the required documents
• Submit your application before the deadline

Application Details

The application deadline for 2023 was March 26, 2023. The application portal is still closed at the time of this writing but you can keep your eyes peeled on the portal for when they announce the opening for the next cycle. Visit the official page for more information.

Grant Amount

• Up to $150,000 in equity-free cash rewards for each successful startup application.
• Up to $200,000 in cloud credit.

Apply Here

6. The Stockholm Water Prize Awards

Are you a journalist who reports on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues in Africa? Do you want to be recognized and celebrated for your outstanding work and contribution to the WASH sector? If yes, then you might be interested in the Stockholm Water Prize awards.

The award is organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), a leading expert in water governance that has been granted a Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Award Objectives

The main objectives of the Stockholm Water Prize awards Award are to:

• Enhance the quality and quantity of WASH journalism in Africa
• Increase the awareness and understanding of WASH issues among the public and decision-makers
• Strengthen the capacity of journalists to cope with shocks and crises in the WASH sector.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Award, you need to meet these requirements:

• Participants should work as professional journalists and have outstanding achievements of lasting significance in Africa.
• Participant’s stories related to WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) must have been published or broadcast.
• The story should be in either English, French, Portuguese, or Arabic.
• The story can fall into one of these categories: print, radio, TV, or online reporting.

Application Process

• Participants can be nominated by someone else.
• If you know someone deserving, you can send a nomination with a short supporting statement (250-500 words) for your desired candidate to the Stockholm Water Prize Nominating Committee.
• If your nominee is short-listed, you will be requested to provide additional information about the candidate.
• Click here to submit an application
• Fill out all the fields in the form and upload your story and supporting documents
• Submit your application before the deadline

Application Deadlines

Nominations are accepted between March and September.

Award Amount

The award comes with a cash prize of $150,000.

Apply Here

7. Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi)

The Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) grant is a global partnership that’s dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs in developing countries. 

As a business grant for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, it aims to address the systemic barriers that women entrepreneurs face. It does this by providing them with access to financial products and services, building their capacity, expanding their networks, and offering them mentors.

The program also gives female founders opportunities to connect with domestic and global markets.

Grant Objective

To provide capital-raising support for the growth, scale, and sustainability of women-owned or women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) in developing countries.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a woman or have a woman as a co-founder or a key decision-maker in your business
• Have a registered business or a business association in a developing country
• Have been in operation for at least one year
• Operate in any sector of the economy that leverages technology to solve problems and create value

Application Process

• Submit a proposal on the official website.
• Fill out all the fields in the form and upload the required documents
• Submit your application before the deadline

Application Deadlines

The deadline for proposal submission was July 7, 2023. You can expect the next cycle to end around that time. For more information, check out this resource.

Grant Amount

The grant amount for the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) grant is not explicitly mentioned on the official website, but you can expect it to depend on the stage and potential of your business.

Apply Here

8. Herconomy Enterprise Challenge

The Herconomy Enterprise Challenge is an annual event for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria who own small or medium enterprises. It is more than just a grant – it is a funding competition and capacity-building opportunity.

The Challenge brings together women business owners across Nigeria to compete for grant funding to grow their enterprises. As an annual event proudly presented by Herconomy, it embodies the company’s broader goal of equipping and supporting women entrepreneurs. 

Participants not only have the chance to win capital, but gain exposure and capacity building throughout the challenge.

Grant Objectives

To empower enterprising WSMEs through capacity building and business funding.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Herconomy Enterprise Challenge grant, you must:

• Be a woman or have a woman as a co-founder or a key decision-maker in your business
• Have a registered business or a business association in Nigeria
• Have been in operation for at least one year
• Have a minimum annual turnover of N5 million
• Operate in any sector of the economy that leverages technology to solve problems and create value

Application Process

To apply for the Herconomy Enterprise Challenge grant, you need to follow these steps:

• Register on the Herconomy Application Portal. 
• Login to submit an application
• Fill out all the fields in the form and upload the required documents
• Submit your application before the deadline

Application Deadline

The application portal for 2023 was on April 17, 2023. It’s closed at the time of this writing, but you can expect the next cycle to be around that period.

Grant Amount

The grant amount for the Herconomy Enterprise Challenge grant varies depending on the stage and potential of the business:

• Early-stage businesses: N500 000 – N1 million naira.
• Growth-stage businesses: N1 million – N1.5 million naira.

Apply Here

9. Business Resilience Programme (BRP) for Women Entrepreneurs

FATE Foundation, in collaboration with Google.org, is a proud organizer of the Business Resilience Programme (BRP). 

It’s part of the Google.org “SSA Women Entrepreneurship Programme” across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. This initiative focuses on enhancing the digital and financial skills of female nano and micro business owners aged 18 to 55.

Here’s what you can expect from the BRP:

Phase I:

A self-paced, fully online 4-week program.

Access to a Business Plan Developer Tool.

Phase II:

A hybrid program led by experienced financial and digital literacy experts.

Assistance with business registration.

Micro-grant support.

Completing Phase I is your ticket to eligibility for Phase II.

You’ll gain valuable knowledge in:

• Financial management.
• Business plan development.
• Digital marketing.
• Accessing funding.
• Building business networks.
• Boosting your confidence.
• Plus, 200 participants get micro-grant financing and free business registration.

Grant Objectives

To provide free scholarship support, covering course fees, materials, business formalization, and micro-grant assistance to female entrepreneurs. This will help them successfully scale their nano or micro businesses through a state-by-state hybrid training program.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must be:

• A female entrepreneur in Nigeria
• A nano (less than 3 employees) and micro (4 to 9 employees) business owner
• Have a minimum of a secondary school diploma
• Be proficient in English
• Have internet access and a smartphone
• Special consideration will be given to breadwinners, widows, and single parents

Application Process

• Visit the  FATEfoundation website.
• Click “Apply Now” after reviewing program details and requirements
• Create an account or log in if you’ve applied before
• Complete the application for your chosen program
• Join the e-learn platform for a 4-week virtual digital and financial literacy training, open nationwide.
• Top candidates will have a phone/video interview.
• 40 applicants will be selected for each program stream in Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Kwara, and Abia states.

Application Deadline

The application closing date for the fully online phase 1 class was February 10, 2023. After which the closing date for phase two of the various class locations is given below: 

• Lagos: March 10, 2023
• Ogun: March 17, 2023
• Kwara: June 9, 2023
• Abia: July 21st, 2023

Grant Amount

• Early-stage businesses: N500 000 – N1 million naira.
• Growth-stage businesses: N1 million – N1.5 million naira.

Apply Here

10. Womenpreneur Pitch-a-thon Africa

Lastly, we have the Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton 2023, which is an empowering program designed to support female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. It offers expert training, a mini-MBA certification, and financial grants to help women-owned businesses thrive.

Grant Objective

To empower female entrepreneurs through capacity building, offering a mini-MBA certification and financial grants to foster the growth and success of women-owned businesses.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

• Be a woman entrepreneur.
• Be aged between 18-55 years.
• Have an existing business that has been operational for at least one year.
• The business should have at least 50% female ownership.

Application Process

• Visit the official Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton website.
• Complete the online application form by providing all necessary information.
• Submit your application.
• If your application makes it through the initial review, you’ll be among the top 500 candidates.
• As a top 500 candidate, you will need to create a sixty-second video pitch showcasing your business and its potential.
• Submit your video pitch for consideration as part of the final selection process.

Application Deadline

The deadline for 2023 applications was August 11, 2023. We expect it to be roughly the same come 2024. But you can keep your eyes on their website for new dates.

Grant Amount

Selected participants have a chance to win grant prizes up to N5 million to boost their businesses.

Apply Here

Tips for a Successful Female Entrepreneurs Grants Application

Applying for female-specific grants can seem daunting. 

With so many organizations and focus areas, it can be tough to make your application stand out. However, these tips could give you the best shot at securing funding for your business or idea:

• First, carefully review eligibility. There’s no use wasting effort on grants you don’t qualify for. 
• Next, align your proposal with grant goals. Funders want to see an impact that matches their mission. 
• Quantify your expected outcomes and clearly outline activities. 
• Polish your writing and follow all formatting instructions. 
• Ask partners for recommendation letters to strengthen your application.
• Give yourself plenty of time to put together the required documents and submit them before the deadline.
• Lastly, following up shows ongoing interest. With preparation and a compelling case, your application can grab attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top business grants for women in Nigeria: Now, what next?

Getting a grant isn’t easy, but it’s doable with the right approach. 

You’ll need to put in the time and effort to create a winning proposal, but it’ll be worth it in the end. After all, getting a grant can help you take your business to the next level.

We’ve put together a killer grant writing resource for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria to help you win your dream grant. Check it out here and don’t forget to download the free grant writing checklist so you don’t miss a step.