ExxonMobil / Cherie Blair Foundation Programme for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria


The Road to Women’s Business Growth project is a unique initiative which will build the business skills of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

The project aims to increase women's access to financial services and markets and empower them to grow profitable and sustanable business, ultimately promoting their long-term economic independence.
There is no registration fee. However, please note that particioants are requested to cover travel/transportation costs to the project's training centres located in three cities: Lagos, Abuja or Uyo.

Project Structure

The project will focus on providing support to women entrepreneurs through its two phased approach:

Phase I

  • 500 small business owners will be trained in financial literacy and investment readiness over six (6) weeks, including two classroom workshops and four weeks of e-learning (January - March 2016).

Phase II

  • 100 top performing women entrepreneurs (out of the 500) will receive intensive business support in the form of tailored business training and services and ongoing mentoring over six months (from May 2016). 

How to Apply

Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility
Check that you are qualified to apply. See the section “Who can apply?” below.

Step 2 – Register
Click here to register if you have not already done so
You will receive a confirmation email from "Road to Growth Programme" with all the details you will need to log in.

Step 3 – Complete Application
Once you have successfully registered, log in and click the “Start Application” button on the Start Application Tab on this page. To return to your application, click the “save and continue” button and come back to it at any time. Once you are done with your application, click on the “Submit” button at the end of the form to send it to us.

Step 4 – Keep Informed
After the closing date you will be notified if you have been shortlisted for the next stage of the competition. Constantly check the Road to Growth Programme homepage for regular updates.

To be eligible for this program you need to:
1. Own a business in Nigeria.
2. Operate a business in a high-growth sector.
3. Have 3 - 49 staff.
4. Have an annual turnover of N3-20 million.
5. Have English language fluency
6. Have a business which has generated profit for at least 2 years.
7. Have a strong desire and commitment to grow your business.
8. Have basic computer literacy
9. Have a need for additional investment and have had no previous access to formal financial services

Application Process
To apply, please follow step 2 and 3 above
The deadline for application is 5pm on 10 December 2015. We will evaluate applications as they arrive, and make decisions on a rolling basis. Places will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Thus, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
We will not consider applications once we have finalised recruitment of 500 women for the program.
Selection results will be announced in January 2016

For questions please contact Lola at [email protected] or call 08174583173.

 Start Application