Sterling Bank Offers Business Training to 2,500 Women Entrepreneurs

In a powerful move to bridge the gender gap in business and promote inclusive economic growth, Sterling Bank has launched a transformative initiative under its OneWoman platform, offering 2,500 Nigerian female entrepreneurs free access to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women online business education program.

Delivered in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and taught by the University of Leeds, this globally respected curriculum equips women with the critical skills needed to scale and sustain thriving enterprises. Modules cover everything from financial management and marketing to leadership and growth strategies, with a practical, real-time application approach that allows participants to immediately implement learnings within their businesses.

According to John Obichie, Group Head of Consumer Finance at Sterling Bank, the initiative is about more than education—it’s about creating economic pathways for women to thrive.

“Female entrepreneurs have been at the heart of shaping the Nigerian economy of the future, and Sterling Bank is committed to accelerating their success. Through this initiative, we are equipping women with world-class business education, strategies, and networks they need to scale. This is about creating pathways for growth and global competitiveness.”


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Sterling’s OneWoman initiative is not only a financial platform but also a social movement, focused on dismantling barriers to financial inclusion and enabling women to become change agents in their communities. From tailored loan products to development training, OneWoman is a holistic support system for Nigerian women, particularly those leading micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

This bold effort comes on the heels of Sterling Bank receiving the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Service Ambassadors Award for its Highest Impact on Women MSMEs—a recognition of the bank’s growing footprint in gender-focused financial empowerment.

By sponsoring access to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program—previously accessible only to a limited few—Sterling Bank is leveling the playing field, ensuring that female entrepreneurs in Nigeria have the same opportunities as their global counterparts.

Women interested in taking advantage of this opportunity can register at sterling.ng/10kwomen or reach out via onewoman@sterling.ng.

Sterling’s initiative is a prime example of CSR in action—strategic, inclusive, and impact-driven—where corporate purpose aligns with national development goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).