Union Bank of Nigeria’s women-focused proposition, Alpher, has partnered with Zuri Circle Network (ZCN) to empower 98 female entrepreneurs through the Fearless Female Founders (FFF) 2.0 Accelerator Programme.
The initiative was aimed at addressing some of the challenges faced by women-led businesses, particularly limited access to capital, business knowledge, mentorship and opportunities for sustainable growth.
The programme attracted 2,810 applications from women entrepreneurs across Nigeria, with 98 founders selected after a screening process that included business verification and compliance checks.
Union Bank also awarded grants to five women-led businesses that emerged winners during the final pitch presentation.
The Fearless Female Founders 2.0 Accelerator was designed to identify and support promising women-led businesses through capacity building, mentorship, accountability and access to funding opportunities.
Participants underwent a screening process that assessed their business registration, operational viability and financial record keeping.
The process was aimed at identifying entrepreneurs with potential for sustainable growth and readiness for investment.
The final cohort comprised businesses operating in sectors including agriculture, fashion, food production, technology, manufacturing, retail and professional services.
Throughout the programme, participants received business development support focused on strengthening their operations, improving financial management, enhancing competitiveness and preparing their businesses for expansion.
Speaking on the partnership, Head of Retail Banking, Union Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Vivian Imoh-Itah, said the bank remained committed to supporting women to achieve personal, professional and financial success.
“Through Alpher, Union Bank remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities for women to thrive personally, professionally, and financially.
“Our partnership with Zuri Circle Network on the Fearless Female Founders 2.0 Accelerator reflects our deliberate focus on supporting women entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, knowledge, and financial access they require to build sustainable businesses,” she said.
Imoh-Itah said investment in women-owned enterprises would contribute to economic growth, job creation and financial inclusion.
“By investing in enterprises owned by women, we are not only empowering individual founders but also contributing to economic growth, job creation, and greater financial inclusion across Nigeria,” she added.
The initiative addresses challenges confronting many women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, particularly access to formal financing and opportunities to scale their businesses.
Through the partnership, Alpher and Zuri Circle Network seek to connect women-led businesses with funding, knowledge, networks and other resources needed to become investment-ready and achieve sustainable growth.
The partnership is part of Union Bank’s efforts to support women through financial solutions, strategic partnerships, capacity-building programmes and access to financial services.
Since its launch, Alpher has implemented initiatives targeted at supporting women at different stages of their personal and entrepreneurial development, with emphasis on financial independence and business growth.
The Fearless Female Founders Accelerator is one of the programmes through which the bank supports women entrepreneurs and promotes financial inclusion in Nigeria.
