SMEDAN Unveils GROWHer Accelerator Programme For Women-led Small Businesses

Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has announced the official launch of the GROWHer Accelerator Programme, a groundbreaking accelerator initiative aimed at empowering high-potential women-led small businesses across the country.

The programme, which will support the growth and sustainability of women-owned enterprises, marks a significant step in SMEDAN’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic development and strengthening the role of women in Nigeria’s business landscape.

The GROWHer Accelerator Program is designed for women entrepreneurs with businesses that have been formally registered, are operational for at least two years, and demonstrate consistent year-over-year profitability and financial health.

This sector-agnostic initiative will cater to women-led businesses across various industries, offering them essential tools, knowledge, and support to scale and thrive in today’s competitive market.

The unveiling of the GROWHer Accelerator Programme took place at the SMEDAN Headquarters, during SMEDAN’s celebration of International Women’s Day with the theme “Accelerate Action.”

The focus of the event was to accelerate action towards improving export opportunities for women entrepreneurs, empowering them to expand their businesses into global markets. This alignment with International Women’s Day highlighted the importance of driving economic growth through women-led businesses and promoting export as a key avenue for growth and sustainability.

The director general of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, stated, “The launch of the GROWHer Accelerator Programme reaffirms SMEDAN’s dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs who are contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.

This program will equip women-led businesses with the skills, resources, and networks necessary to grow and compete globally. It’s a crucial initiative aimed at unlocking the full potential of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

”The managing director CEO of NEXIM Bank while unveiling the Programme, expressed the need for women owned enterprises to form clusters in order to benefit more from several support initiatives of the current Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The GROWHer Accelerator Program is expected to equally provide participants with access to a network of mentors, investors, and business experts who will guide them through the accelerator journey. By equipping women entrepreneurs with essential business knowledge and fostering a robust community of support, SMEDAN aims to accelerate the growth of women-led small businesses and drive sustainable economic development across Nigeria.