Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria are shaping the economy, driving innovation, and creating jobs. However, one of their biggest challenges is accessing funding to grow their businesses. If you're a woman looking for financial support in 2025, these five grants can help you scale your business without the burden of repayment.
This article explores the top five grants for women entrepreneurs in 2025, their eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step application process.
Top Five (5) Grants for Women
She Leads Africa Accelerator Grant
ScaleUp Business Pitch Challenge (Bet9ja Foundation)
Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme
African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)
U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) Women’s Grants
1. She Leads Africa Accelerator Grant
This accelerator program is designed for women-led, high-growth startups in Nigeria. It provides mentorship, business training, and financial grants to help women entrepreneurs scale successfully.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a Nigerian woman leading or co-leading a startup.
The business must be generating revenue and show growth potential.
It must operate in the tech, education, fashion, or agribusiness sectors.
How to Apply:
Visit the She Leads Africa website.
Fill out the online application form.
Submit your business plan and required documents.
Applications typically open in Q1 (first quarter) of every year.
2. ScaleUp Business Pitch Challenge (Bet9ja Foundation)
The ScaleUp Business Pitch Challenge by the Bet9ja Foundation is an annual grant competition designed to support early-stage Nigerian businesses and women with financial aid, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program aims to drive economic development by helping small businesses scale and thrive.
How to Apply:
Submit your business details using the application form on the Bet9ja Foundation website when applications open.
Upload a concise business plan and financial summary using the provided templates.
Applications will be assessed based on innovation, business viability, market potential, and team strength.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for further evaluation and a pitch competition.
Eligibility Criteria:
Must be a registered business in Nigeria with at least six months of operations.
Operates within sectors like Agriculture, Technology, Fashion & Lifestyle, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, or Services.
Has a transparent business model with significant growth potential.
Can demonstrate how the grant will help scale the business.
Key Benefits:
₦3 million grant awarded to 10 businesses.
Access to a 3-month accelerator program with mentorship and workshops.
Opportunity to pitch to angel investors at the Demo Night.
One business will win an additional ₦5 million grant for the Best Pitch Award.
Networking with industry leaders and potential investors.
Application Timeline:
The application has closed for 2024, but look for 2025 applications on the website.
3. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) supports African entrepreneurs, particularly women-led businesses, by offering seed funding and business training.
Eligibility Requirements:
Open to all Nigerian women entrepreneurs.
The business idea must be for-profit.
The business should be in the idea stage or under 3 years old.
How to Apply:
Applications open in January.
Apply via the TEFConnect platform.
Submit your business idea, growth plan, and impact strategy.
4. African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)
The AWDF grants women-led organisations in Nigeria that work on economic empowerment, health, and social justice initiatives. While it primarily funds non-profits, small social enterprises with community impact may qualify.
Eligibility Requirements:
It must be a woman-led organisation or enterprise.
Must focus on health, education, economic empowerment, or social justice.
Preference is given to organisations with grassroots initiatives.
How to Apply:
Submit a detailed project proposal via the AWDF website.
Highlight how your project will create positive change for women and girls.
Applications follow an annual grant cycle.
5. U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) Women’s Grants
The USADF offers grants to women entrepreneurs working to promote economic growth in underdeveloped areas of Nigeria. These grants are particularly beneficial for agriculture, renewable energy, and vocational training businesses.
Eligibility Requirements:
Women entrepreneurs operating in rural or underserved communities.
The business must have a direct positive impact on the local community.
Applicants must present a sustainable and long-term business plan.
How to Apply:
Visit the USADF website to download the application form.
Submit a detailed business proposal showcasing the project's impact.
Demonstrate how your business will create jobs and support economic growth.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Grant
Applying for grants is competitive, but these tips can help increase your chances of success:
Research Thoroughly: Ensure you meet the qualification criteria and align with the grant’s objectives.
Submit a Clear Business Plan: Your plan should highlight your vision, target market, revenue streams, and how the grant will help you grow.
Show Community Impact: Many grants prioritise businesses that create social or economic change.
Meet Deadlines: Missing deadlines can automatically disqualify you, so be punctual.
FAQs About Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
What is the difference between a grant and a loan? A grant is free funding that does not need to be repaid, whereas a loan must be repaid with interest.
Can I apply for multiple grants at the same time? Yes! Many entrepreneurs apply for multiple grants to increase their chances of receiving funding.
What are the common reasons applications get rejected?
Incomplete applications
Lack of a clear business plan
Failure to demonstrate impact
Missing deadlines
At Bet9ja Foundation, we are here to support women like you. We offer funding, mentorship, and valuable resources to help your business succeed.
Don’t miss out! Apply today for the ScaleUp Business Pitch Challenge. Visit the Bet9ja Foundation website and take the next step toward growing your business!
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