L-R: Head alpher, Union Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Aderonke Chukwudeme; Founder, Bequeenz Beauty, Ms. Esther Harmony Elois; Founder, Atas Nutraboom Nutrition, Ms Oluwakemi Olaniyan; Founder, Gadesh & Co Nigeria Limited; Ms. Abojukoro Ganiyat Adeshola; Head SME Banking, Union Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Gloria Omereonye, and Founder, Zuri Circle Network, Ms. Linda Obi during the Bank’s presentation of grants to business pitch winners at the Fearless Female Founders (FFF) 2.0 programme at Vibranium Valley, Local Airport Road, Ikeja, Lagos recently
Susan Abayomi
Union Bank of Nigeria’s women-focused initiative, alpher, has partnered with Zuri Circle Network (ZCN) to empower 98 female entrepreneurs through the second edition of the Fearless Female Founders (FFF 2.0) Accelerator Programme.
The programme was designed to equip women-led businesses with essential skills, mentorship, funding opportunities and resources needed to achieve sustainable growth.
According to the bank, the initiative received 2,810 applications from women entrepreneurs across Nigeria, with 98 founders selected after a thorough screening process that included business verification and compliance checks.
As part of its support for women-owned enterprises, Union Bank awarded grants to five businesses that emerged winners during the programme’s final pitch presentation.
The Fearless Female Founders 2.0 Accelerator was created to identify and strengthen promising women-led businesses through capacity building, mentorship, accountability structures and access to financial support.
Selected participants underwent assessments covering business registration, operational capacity and financial management practices to ensure they were prepared for long-term growth and investment opportunities.
The cohort featured entrepreneurs from different sectors, including agriculture, fashion, food production, technology, manufacturing, retail and professional services.
Throughout the programme, participants received practical training focused on improving business operations, strengthening financial management, enhancing competitiveness and preparing their ventures for expansion.
Speaking on the initiative, Head of Retail Banking at Union Bank of Nigeria, Vivian Imoh-Itah, said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to helping women entrepreneurs access the tools, networks and financial resources required to build successful businesses.
She noted that investing in women-owned enterprises would not only support individual entrepreneurs but also contribute to job creation, economic growth and increased financial inclusion in Nigeria.
The initiative seeks to address the challenges many female entrepreneurs face in accessing formal financing and business development opportunities despite their contributions to the nation’s economy.
Through its collaboration with Zuri Circle Network, alpher continues to provide women-led businesses with the knowledge, funding connections and support needed to become investment-ready and achieve sustainable success.
The programme further highlights Union Bank’s commitment to empowering women through innovative financial solutions, strategic partnerships and initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and financial independence.
