FCMB Announces The Opening Of Applications For Its HERccelerate Programme

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has announced the opening of applications for its HERccelerate programme, a tech accelerator designed to support and empower women-led startups in Nigeria. The programme offers a unique opportunity for female entrepreneurs to access funding, training, and mentorship.

Powered by the bank's SheVentures and Hub One innovation hub and implemented by 8thGear Hub and Venture Studio, this initiative aims to equip women-founded startups with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to access funding and grow sustainably.

Applications for the HERccelerate programme, now open at www.fcmb.com/herccelerate/, will close on September 30, 2024. It offers women-led startups in various sectors - including Fintech, Agritech, Healthtech, Edtech, and E-commerce - funding opportunities, among other rewards.

Participants will undergo intensive training, including office hours, field trips to successful local startups, and networking events with accomplished founders. This comprehensive support system provides access to knowledge, resources, investors, markets, and networks. The accelerator will culminate in a showcase day, where winners will receive grant funding and other exciting benefits, including access to potential investors.

Managing Director of FCMB, Mrs Yemisi Edun, highlighted that the HERccelerate programme demonstrates the bank's commitment to supporting women-owned tech businesses, particularly SMEs. She acknowledged the difficulties these businesses often encounter, such as limited access to funding and gender bias. The programme, she explained, is designed to address these challenges by providing a platform to encourage innovation and create more funding avenues for female entrepreneurs. Mrs Edun urged women in the tech sector to take advantage of this opportunity to grow their businesses and contribute to the tech industry and the broader economy.

Nigeria's tech landscape has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with several female-led startups making significant strides across various sectors. However, they still face challenges hindering their development, such as limited access to funding. In 2023, less than 6% of venture capital investment went to female-led startups. Through the HERccelerate programme, FCMB aims to support and accelerate over 200 women-founded tech startups in the next five years, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) is a member of FCMB Group Plc. The bank is committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in its communities by building a supportive ecosystem that connects people, capital, and markets, primarily in Nigeria and its diaspora.

[Sponsored]

Source: Legit.ng