Union Bank of Nigeria, through its women-focused proposition, alpher, has empowered 98 female entrepreneurs with business skills, mentorship and funding opportunities under the Fearless Female Founders 2.0 Accelerator Programme.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with Zuri Circle Network, was designed to help women-led businesses overcome challenges around 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 following business verification and compliance checks.
The selected entrepreneurs, operating across sectors including agriculture, fashion, food production, technology, manufacturing, retail and professional services, received practical support focused on business development, financial management, competitiveness and expansion.
Union Bank also awarded grants to five women-led businesses that emerged as winners at the programme’s final pitch presentation.
Head of Retail Banking at Union Bank, Vivian Imoh-Itah, said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to providing women entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, knowledge and financial access needed to build sustainable businesses.
She added that investing in women-owned enterprises would contribute to economic growth, job creation and greater financial inclusion in Nigeria.
Union Bank said the programme forms part of alpher’s broader efforts to promote women’s financial independence and entrepreneurial success through financial solutions, partnerships and capacity-building initiatives.