The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has joined forces with Victoria’s Secret, the renowned global lingerie and beauty brand, to introduce the AWIEF Growth Accelerator program in Nigeria. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in efforts to support and empower high-potential women entrepreneurs in the region.
Since its inception in 2017, the AWIEF Growth Accelerator has stood out as a premier business development initiative. It is meticulously designed to aid women-owned or women-led ventures that demonstrate a strong orientation toward growth. The program provides participants with comprehensive business development and growth strategy training, expert corporate advice, mentorship, and tailored support. Furthermore, it facilitates invaluable networks and access to finance, addressing critical barriers to growth for women entrepreneurs.
The implementation of the Nigerian edition of this program is a strategic component of The Tour Impact Fund, an innovative Victoria’s Secret initiative. The Fund is committed to advancing gender equality on a global scale, empowering women, and amplifying their voices. By supporting the AWIEF Growth Accelerator in Nigeria, Victoria’s Secret is leveraging its influence and resources to create meaningful opportunities for women entrepreneurs in one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic economies.
Participants in the program can expect to engage in an intensive, tailor-made training curriculum that covers various aspects of business growth and sustainability. This includes crafting scalable business models, financial management, leadership, market expansion strategies, and leveraging technology for business innovation. Additionally, the program offers the unique advantage of connecting participants with seasoned mentors who bring a wealth of experience and insights, further enriching the learning journey.
Moreover, the AWIEF Growth Accelerator facilitates access to finance by preparing participants to be investment-ready and connecting them with potential investors. This critical component ensures that promising businesses have the financial support necessary to scale and thrive.
We are immensely proud to partner with Victoria’s Secret to launch the AWIEF Growth Accelerator in Nigeria.
Irene Ochem, Founder and CEO of AWIEF
“We are immensely proud to partner with Victoria’s Secret to launch the AWIEF Growth Accelerator in Nigeria,” stated Irene Ochem, Founder and CEO of AWIEF. “This partnership underscores our shared commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering an environment where women’s businesses can flourish. Through this program, we aim to accelerate the growth of women-led ventures in Nigeria, contributing significantly to economic development and gender equality.”
This partnership between AWIEF and Victoria’s Secret through The Tour Impact Fund illustrates a powerful commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. By focusing on high-growth-oriented women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, the AWIEF Growth Accelerator is set to catalyze significant progress in the pursuit of gender equality and economic empowerment for women across the continent.
The program will provide 20 women founders or leaders of innovative, growth-stage businesses based in Nigeria with the opportunity to participate in the seven-month, high-impact, investment readiness program.
It targets multi-sector businesses, but priority will be given to technology-based and tech-enabled businesses in catalytic sectors such as agriculture, health, education, creative industry, financial services, renewable energy, logistics, and climate-smart solutions.
Applications are open here until March 24.
