SheAscends is a new women-focused accelerator designed to support growth-stage entrepreneurs currently operating in Lagos, Nigeria.
Powered by the Funke Jones Foundation, the program seeks to help female founders unlock financial access and strengthen their investment readiness.
This initiative aims to build the specific capabilities women need to scale impact-driven businesses through practical, real-world support.
The program follows a structured path where selected businesses participate in workshops and one-on-one mentorship sessions with industry experts.
By joining this cohort, entrepreneurs can build the systems and skills necessary to grow their enterprises with confidence.
The ultimate goal is to move 100 businesses past their current limitations through a mix of capability building and capital.
Funding and benefits
Qualified participants in the SheAscends program can access growth capital of up to ₦1,000,000 per business.
This funding is intended for practical business needs, such as purchasing new equipment, stocking inventory, or making other strategic investments.
A total of ₦100,000,000 in growth capital has been earmarked for the selected businesses.
In addition to financial support, founders benefit from one-on-one guidance provided by experts who have successfully built similar enterprises. Training workshops, held both virtually and in person, cover essential topics like financial management, pricing, and operations. Selected startups also receive increased visibility through media showcases and potential collaborations with strategic partners.
Application requirements and eligibility
The program is open to women entrepreneurs aged 30 to 45 who hold ownership or leadership positions in their businesses. Applicants must be based in Lagos and lead for-profit companies that are either tech-enabled or have a strong digital edge. The accelerator is specifically looking for early and mid-growth stage businesses that have moved beyond the initial idea phase.
To qualify, a business must demonstrate proven traction with a minimum annual revenue of ₦6,000,000. While the program is sector-agnostic, it welcomes entrepreneurs from industries such as food, retail, fashion, beauty, and agriculture. The selection process prioritizes ventures that are ready to scale and can demonstrate a clear vision for growth.
Deadline
The application period for the SheAscends pilot phase begins on January 9 and runs through February 9, 2026. Following the application window, a screening and review process will take place before training and grant awards begin in March 2026. Interested founders should submit their business details and revenue information via the official application portal by the closing date.
Applications for African Impact Challenge now open; up to $25, 000 per winner
The African Impact Initiative has launched a global search for daring early innovators to join the latest cohort of the African Impact Challenge.
This program aims to support entrepreneurs in building market-shaping, globally competitive businesses that solve critical African challenges.
To date, the initiative has trained over 7,000 founders and funded more than 100 businesses across 46 countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Egypt.
The African Impact Challenge focuses on two primary tracks: the Pan-African Health Entrepreneurship (HENT) stream and the Country Innovation (CI) stream.
While the HENT stream supports health-tech ventures from any country in Africa, the CI stream focuses on a specific nation each year.
For 2026, the Country Innovation track is dedicated to supporting scalable ventures across any sector specifically in Nigeria.
Funding and benefits
Participants in the challenge receive track-based venture funding, with guaranteed amounts ranging from $5,000 CAD to $25,000 CAD depending on the startup’s stage.
Additional capital may be available based on program performance and growth during the accelerator period.
The African Impact Challenge provides a 7-week self-paced venture support bootcamp and access to an accelerator program featuring tailored workshops and mentorship.
Founders also gain access to a global network of innovators and strategic partners like the University of Toronto.
Beyond financial aid, the initiative offers funded international market exposure, which includes covered flights and accommodations.
Startups can also leverage market access and partnerships to acquire customers and secure vital go-to-market partners.
Application requirements and eligibility
The challenge is open to young Africans under the age of 39 who are currently living in Africa.
Applicants must demonstrate a full-time commitment to building their venture and a desire to solve critical problems through technology.
Preference is given to innovative business models that are scalable and target “non-consumption” by increasing accessibility and affordability.
Ventures do not need to be legally registered at the time of application and can be submitted by solo founders or teams.
The program supports startups at various stages, from raw ideas with no revenue to established companies earning over $100,000 USD annually.
Each stage receives specific resources, such as validation of problem-solution fit for early ideas or global market access for high-growth ventures.
Deadline
Ambitious founders must act quickly to secure their spot in the next cohort before the application window closes. The final deadline for submissions to both the HENT and CI streams is January 31, 2026.
Visit the SheAscends call page to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
