Wema Bank is partnering with Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) at Pan-Atlantic University, and Mastercard Foundation to offer a grant award of up to N2,500,000 to businesses in Nigeria.
The Wema Bank Transforming Nigerian Youths Program is an initiative designed to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly women, with essential business skills and knowledge.
The program is a collaboration between Wema Bank, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, and Mastercard Foundation. Its primary goal is to create a network of entrepreneurial and managerial change-makers across Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
Objectives of the Program
- Transform the mindset of Nigerian youths to become more entrepreneurial and self-employed
- Equip participants with managerial and entrepreneurial skills to start, sustain, and scale their businesses
- Provide market access and support services to existing business owners, especially those run by young people
- Change the way learning or information is received in Nigeria
Benefits of Wema Bank Transforming Nigerian Youths Program
Capacity Building: Free enterprise training tailored to business growth and development
Mentorship: Guidance from certified Business Development Support Providers (BDSPs) and industry leaders
Seed Funding: Grants of up to ₦2.5 million for selected participants
Dedicated Business Support: Personalized assistance from BDSPs to help navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities
Market Access: Opportunities to showcase products and services at local and international trade fairs and exhibitions
Access to Finance: Single-digit loans for business expansion
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a young entrepreneur between 18 and 35 years old
- Be a resident in Nigeria
- Be a female entrepreneur actively running or planning a business in any MSME sector
- Have a valid identification and proof of age and residence
- Have a business plan or idea proposal
Key Features
Comprehensive Training: Free enterprise training designed to equip participants with managerial and entrepreneurial skills
Empowerment for Women Entrepreneurs: Strong emphasis on empowering women in business, addressing challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, and providing them with tools to succeed
Pitchathon: A platform for participants to showcase their business ideas and innovations, with winners receiving grants or mentorship opportunities
Overall, the Wema Bank Transforming Nigerian Youths Program is an exceptional opportunity for young Nigerian entrepreneurs to refine their skills, access funding, and scale their businesses while contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.
Application Process
Interested applicants are required to start their application by registering online through the program’s official portal.
Complete and submit the application with required documents, including identification, proof of residence, and business plan.
Actively participate in training sessions with carefully designed courses and submit a business plan for selection.
By completing your course within the stipulated time, you become eligible for a grant award.
Eligible learners will then be privileged to access grants of up to N2,500,000.
As part of the selection criteria for the grant award, your consent will be needed to open a Wema Bank account.
Program Timeline
The training session is scheduled for 3 days, from September 9th to 11th, 2025.
The program concludes with a pitchathon, where participants will present their business ideas to judges and potential investors.
To start your application visit https://sara-tny.alat.ng/