Economic EmpowermentOpen
Youth Skills Development
Practical vocational training in trades with real local demand, ending with a toolkit and help finding work.
Closes
Economic EmpowermentOpen
Women Enterprise Initiative
Start-up grants, business training and a cooperative network for women building small enterprises.
- Opens
- Closes
- Awards expected
- 15
Start your application
Closes
Overview
What this programme is
The Women Enterprise Initiative provides a start-up grant alongside the training and peer structure that make it stick. Grants without support are spent; support without capital is advice.
Members join a cooperative that continues after the programme ends, giving access to bulk purchasing, shared storage and a rotating savings scheme.
What you receive
- Start-up grantA one-off grant sized to the business plan, paid in two instalments.
- Business trainingEight weeks covering pricing, record-keeping, stock and customers.
- Cooperative membershipOngoing access to the network, bulk purchasing and shared storage.
Eligibility
Who can apply
These are the criteria we check. They are the same rules the portal uses when it tells you whether you are eligible — there is only one set of them.
You live in Olokoro or a neighbouring community in Umuahia South, Umuahia North or Ikwuano.
This programme is open to women.
You are 18 or older.
If you do not meet a criterion you can still apply, but your application is likely to be unsuccessful. Sign in and complete your profile to see where you stand before you start.
Before you start
Documents you will need
Gather these before you begin so you can finish in one sitting. You can photograph them with your phone — there is no need to scan.
Proof of identityRequired
A national ID card, international passport, driver's licence or voter's card. A clear photograph taken on your phone is fine.
PDF, JPEG, PNG · up to 5 MB
Business plan or descriptionRequired
A short description of the business you want to build. One page is enough — we are not looking for a formal document.
PDF, JPEG, PNG · up to 5 MB
How to apply
Step by step
- 1Create an account and verify your email address.
- 2Complete your profile.
- 3Describe your business idea in the application form.
- 4Upload your identity document and business description.
- 5Submit before the deadline.
Questions
Frequently asked
- Can I apply if my business already exists?
- Yes. Existing small businesses looking to grow are welcome, and often make the strongest applications.
Not sure whether this is for you?
Ask before you apply — it costs nothing to find out.
Also available