SheAscends Program – Growth Capital for Women in Business ( ₦100 Million Growth Capital Grant)

Reach us on

Applications are open for SheAscends Program. 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), She Ascends builds the capability women entrepreneurs need to grow.

The Funke Jones Foundation has launched SheAscends Growth Capital, a grant program designed to support women entrepreneurs in Nigeria with funding, capacity building, and strategic business support.

SheAscends Program 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 Criteria

Business Stage
- 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
- We 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).

How It Works

Apply
- Tell us about your business, your revenue, and what growth looks like for you.
Get Selected
- We review applications and select businesses for the cohort.
Train & Learn
- Join workshops and connect with your mentor. Build the skills and systems your business needs.
Access Capital
- Qualified businesses receive growth capital to invest in their next stage.
Grow
- Scale your business with new capability, capital, and a network behind you.