FCMB’s SheVentures Partners with WENA to Empower 150+ Women Entrepreneurs in North Central Nigeria

In a bold step toward inclusive economic empowerment, SheVentures, the women-focused banking arm of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), has partnered with the Women Enterprise Alliance (WENA) to boost the growth and sustainability of women-led businesses across Nigeria’s North Central region.

The partnership was formally launched at a signing ceremony held at WENA’s headquarters in Abuja, signaling the start of a high-impact initiative that targets over 150 women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The programme offers a comprehensive support package that includes access to funding, business advisory services, market linkages, online courses, and tailored capacity development programmes.

In a joint statement, both organizations emphasized their shared mission to scale established women-led businesses and nurture emerging entrepreneurs across state and regional levels. A standout feature of the initiative is the provision of grants of up to ₦5 million for the top three SMEs, backed by private investors and ecosystem partners.

Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head of SheVentures at FCMB, described the collaboration as part of SheVentures’ broader strategy to unlock the full potential of women in business:

“At SheVentures, we believe empowering women economically is one of the fastest ways to drive inclusive growth and community development. This collaboration with WENA ensures that women in North Central Nigeria gain the capital, tools, skills, and exposure needed to thrive.”

Echoing this sentiment, Florence Onwumere, Head of Organisation and Programmes at WENA, noted the long-term potential of the initiative:

“We are excited to work with SheVentures, a brand that shares our vision of uplifting women entrepreneurs. Through this collaboration, we are expanding access to critical resources and shaping the next generation of business leaders in underserved regions of Nigeria.”

With both organisations having established credibility in supporting female entrepreneurship, the SheVentures-WENA partnership represents a powerful alignment of resources, expertise, and vision. It aims to deliver not just funding, but also strategic consulting, project management training, and business visibility—helping women build resilient, scalable businesses in a challenging economic landscape.

As women-led enterprises continue to rise across Nigeria, this partnership brings renewed hope and tangible opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to grow, lead, and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.