FCMB Sheventures Mentoring Programme in Collaboration with NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) Graduate over 200 Women Entrepreneurs
The FCMB Sheventures Mentoring Programme, an initiative of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) designed and implemented by the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) graduated 215 women entrepreneurs at a virtual ceremony held on Thursday, 19 December 2024
The programme, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs with access to market, the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to thrive in business; successfully mentored women entrepreneurs across diverse sectors of businesses and the economy at its cohort 11. Over the course of six weeks, participants received expert guidance at different engagements which included focused group discussions, masterclasses, book review and one-on-one mentorship.
The program focused on five core business areas: strategic management, financial management, operations, sales and marketing, and human resources.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Adefunke Kuyoro, President of NNEW, applauded the mentees for their resilience and commitment throughout the program. “This graduation marks not just the end of a journey but the beginning of a new chapter for the mentees. They are now equipped to lead and grow sustainable businesses, and we are proud of the impact they will make,” she said.
The virtual ceremony featured a keynote address by Mrs. Nnenna Jagogo-Jack, Head of Women Baking at FCMB, who highlighted the commitment of the bank to women in business. She reiterated the transformative impact of the programme from the last 10 cohort and encourage the graduates to maximise the learning of the past six weeks. In an insightful lecture by Dr. Yemisi Adeyeye, who shared strategies on the presentation titled,“Investment Readiness for Business Owners.” According to Dr. Adeyeye, “Investment readiness is not about luck, it is about preparation, strategy, and demonstrating the value your business brings to the table. She emphasized the importance of building strong financial records, establishing scalable business models, and leveraging mentorship networks to attract and secure investments.
The Projet Director, Mrs. Eniola Mayowa, underscored the collaborative efforts behind the mentorship journey. “Our graduates have gained practical skills, resilience, and confidence that will support their entrepreneurial growth. This program demonstrates the power of knowledge-sharing and community,” she said.
“The key highlights of the programme included 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 session to expand participants’ entrepreneurial vision and increase their ability to dare in the world of business.”Project Director explained.
The climax of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the excited graduates by the Head of NNEW Academy, Pastor 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.
About NNEW
NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) is a dynamic organization focused on the growth and empowerment of women-owned businesses in Nigeria. Through mentorship, capacity-building programs, and advocacy, NNEW equips women with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive as entrepreneurs.
About FCMBSheVentures
FCMB SheVentures Mentoring Programme, an initiative by First City Monument Bank (FCMB), supports women entrepreneurs by providing financial solutions, capacity-building, and access to networks. Through SheVentures, FCMB aims to foster an enabling environment for women to lead successful businesses.