The NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), in collaboration with FCMB Sheventures Mentoring Programme, an initiative of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), has trained 215 women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in business.

The programme is aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs with market access and successfully mentoring women entrepreneurs across diverse sectors of businesses at its cohort 11.

Over six weeks, participants received expert guidance at different engagements, which included focus group discussions, masterclasses, book reviews, and one-on-one mentorship. Essentially, the training focused on five core business areas which include strategic management, financial management, operations, sales and marketing, and human resources.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held virtually, the President of NNEW, Adefunke Kuyoro, applauded the graduates for their resilience and commitment throughout the programme, adding that the graduation marks not just the end of a journey but the beginning of a new chapter.
She emphasised that the beneficiaries are now equipped to lead and grow sustainable businesses, and expressed optimism about the impact they will make in their businesses.

In her keynote address, Head of Women Banking at FCMB, Nnenna Jagogo-Jack, who highlighted the commitment of the bank to women in business, noted the transformative impact of the programme from the last 10 cohorts and encouraged the graduates to maximise the learning of the past six weeks.

The guest lecturer, Dr Yemisi Adeyeye, in a presentation titled: “Investment Readiness for Business Owners,” explained that investment readiness was not about luck, but preparation, strategy, and demonstrating the value business brings to the table.

She emphasised the importance of building strong financial records, establishing scalable business models, and leveraging mentorship networks to attract and secure investments.

Project Director, Eniola Mayowa, underscored the collaborative efforts behind the mentorship journey.

She said: “Our graduates have gained practical skills, resilience, and confidence that will support their entrepreneurial growth. This programme demonstrates the power of knowledge-sharing and community. The key highlights of the programme included the delivery of masterclasses by industry experts; one-on-one mentoring sessions addressing real-world challenges and opportunities; engaging focused group discussion by sectoral grouping and book review sessions to expand participants’ entrepreneurial vision and increase their ability to venture into the world of business.”

The highlight of the programme was the presentation of certificates to the excited graduates by the head of NNEW Academy, Kemisola T’Oluwanimi.

She encouraged the women entrepreneurs to leverage their newfound tools and networks to scale their businesses and contribute meaningfully to their communities.