98 Women Entrepreneurs Receive Training and Funding Support

Union Bank of Nigeria and Zuri Circle have strengthened their support for women-led businesses after equipping 98 women entrepreneurs with business training, mentorship and access to funding opportunities.

The initiative is designed to help women-owned businesses overcome some of the challenges that often limit their growth, including limited access to finance, business knowledge, mentorship and professional networks.

Through the programme, participating entrepreneurs received practical training aimed at improving their ability to manage and scale their businesses. The sessions covered key areas of entrepreneurship, including business strategy, financial management, branding, marketing and business growth.

Beyond classroom training, the beneficiaries were also exposed to mentorship and networking opportunities, allowing them to learn from experienced business leaders and connect with other entrepreneurs.

A major component of the initiative was its focus on access to funding, giving participants information and guidance on how to position their businesses for financing and other growth opportunities.

The partnership between Union Bank and Zuri Circle reflects the growing focus on building stronger support systems for women entrepreneurs, particularly those running micro, small and growing businesses.

For many women-owned enterprises, access to capital remains an important factor in expanding operations, purchasing equipment, hiring employees and reaching new markets. By combining training with mentorship and funding pathways, the initiative seeks to address several of these needs at the same time.

The programme also highlights the importance of equipping entrepreneurs with skills that can help them move beyond survival and build more structured and sustainable businesses.

With 98 women benefiting from the latest intervention, the initiative is expected to contribute to a stronger pipeline of women-led enterprises capable of creating employment, developing products and services, and contributing to Nigeria’s wider economy.

The collaboration further reinforces the role of partnerships between financial institutions and entrepreneurship organisations in providing women with the knowledge, networks and resources required to turn business ideas into sustainable ventures.

For aspiring and existing female entrepreneurs, initiatives such as this provide an avenue to gain practical business knowledge, access experienced mentors and explore potential funding opportunities while building valuable connections within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.