First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative have opened applications for a nationwide online programme that targets women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and links enterprise growth to practical sustainability outcomes across African value chains.
Designed by Goldman Sachs and delivered through the University of Leeds, the programme provides a ten-course, fully online curriculum with interactive learning and access to a global alumni network that has already reached more than 200,000 entrepreneurs. Applications are open to both start-ups and established firms from 1–31 August 2025, with participation free to successful applicants.
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FCMB’s participation builds on its SheVentures platform, which over the last five years has offered training and mentorship and disbursed zero-interest loans totalling up to ₦800 million to women-owned SMEs. The bank frames the new cohort as an opportunity to combine capability-building with accessible finance so that businesses can formalise operations, improve efficiency, and meet rising environmental and social standards in local and export markets.
“Empowering women entrepreneurs is essential to driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth,” said Yemisi Edun, FCMB Managing Director. “This program will enhance their skills and also unlock new opportunities for their businesses, aligning with our purpose of fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.” George Ogbonnaya, FCMB Divisional Head of Business Banking, said the partnership promotes gender equality in the entrepreneurial landscape and supports long-term, resilient expansion.
Across the continent, women-led SMEs are central to food systems, light manufacturing, retail and essential services – the same sectors now expected to cut waste, improve resource and energy efficiency, adopt safer chemicals and packaging, digitise logistics, and build climate resilience.
Training that strengthens financial management, operations, marketing and leadership, paired with mentorship and concessional working capital, gives firms the tools to reduce losses, switch to more efficient equipment, comply with procurement standards, and demonstrate measurable improvements to lenders and buyers. In practice, this can mean lower energy and water use per unit of output, better inventory control that reduces spoilage in agri-food chains, safer material choices that cut compliance risk, and improved data collection to qualify for emerging green-finance products.
The programme also intersects with broader regional priorities. As African markets open further and supply chains integrate, SMEs that can evidence basic ESG practices, clear governance, decent work policies, traceability, and environmental compliance—will find it easier to access new customers and finance. By anchoring these capabilities in a recognised curriculum and alumni community, 10,000 Women provides a route for Nigerian founders to benchmark performance, build partnerships, and scale beyond local markets.
To apply: Nigerian women founders and managers can apply by 31 August 2025 via this link. Successful applicants will receive access to the University of Leeds-delivered online courses and, upon completion, eligibility to join the global 10,000 Women alumni network.
