By Ayomide Otitoju
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has introduced the Fempreneur Accelerator programme, designed to provide financial and non-financial support to women in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria. The initiative is part of the bank’s SheVentures programme, created in partnership with Shecluded, a finance and capacity-building organization for female entrepreneurs.
In a statement released on Tuesday, FCMB highlighted that the Fempreneur Accelerator programme aims to address the specific challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The programme will offer technical assistance and critical resources to 350 women, focusing on essential business skills such as financial management, business planning, and access to funding opportunities.
The bank emphasized that this initiative would help bridge the gap that often prevents women-led businesses from reaching their full potential.
Felicia Obozuwa, Divisional Head of Corporate Services and Service Management at FCMB, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering women in business. “At FCMB, we recognise the vital role women entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth. Our partnership with Shecluded reflects our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive,” she said.
Obozuwa further explained that the Fempreneur Accelerator programme aims to provide not only financial support but also opportunities for women to build sustainable businesses that contribute to Nigeria’s economy.
Shecluded’s founder, Ifeoma Uddoh, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Our mission has always been to dismantle the barriers preventing women from accessing the resources they need to succeed. Partnering with FCMB allows us to extend our impact and reach more women eager to grow their businesses.”
The Fempreneur Accelerator is open to women in diverse sectors, including technology, fashion, agriculture, and the creative arts. Through this programme, FCMB and Shecluded hope to empower women entrepreneurs to drive innovation and contribute to the broader growth of the Nigerian economy.
