Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: January 16, 2026
The SMEDAN GrowHer Accelerator Program 2026 is a dynamic initiative dedicated to empowering Nigerian women entrepreneurs by equipping them with training, mentorship, and business growth support. Launched to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship, the programme aims to strengthen women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria’s diverse economy. Through a combination of workshops, expert coaching, networking opportunities, and access to business development resources, the GrowHer Accelerator helps female founders transform early-stage ideas into sustainable, scalable ventures.
Benefits
Participants in the SMEDAN GrowHer Accelerator Program enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to accelerate business growth, including:
- Business training and capacity building on topics such as business strategy, financial planning, marketing, customer acquisition, and digital tools.
- Personalised mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and business coaches.
- Opportunities to connect with investors, partners, and industry networks that can support expansion.
- Access to business resources, templates, toolkits, and frameworks that strengthen operational efficiency.
- Pitch practice and investor readiness support, preparing founders to attract funding and partnerships.
- Enhanced visibility and credibility for participating enterprises, increasing opportunities for collaborations and market exposure.
- A supportive community of peers and alumni to share insights and experiences.
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Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the SMEDAN GrowHer Accelerator Program 2026, applicants typically must:
- Be Nigerian women entrepreneurs with a registered business or enterprise.
- Operate an early-stage or growth-oriented SME in any sector (e.g., technology, agriculture, fashion, services, health, education).
- Demonstrate passion, commitment, and drive to grow their business and create economic impact.
- Have a verifiable business model or prototype, even if not yet fully scaled.
- Be willing to actively participate in all accelerator activities, including training sessions, coaching, and peer-to-peer engagements.
Application process and documents required
Applying to the SMEDAN GrowHer Accelerator Program typically involves the following steps:
- Online application form filled with personal and business details.
- Business profile or executive summary outlining the enterprise, market, and value proposition.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or founder profile highlighting relevant experience.
- A clear statement of purpose explaining goals for the accelerator and expected impact.
- Supporting documents such as business registration, financial summary, or product/service descriptions.
- Optional pitch deck or visual overview of the business model.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or business review sessions to further clarify their business plans.
