The SheAscends Program 2026 is now open to women entrepreneurs based in Lagos, Nigeria, who are ready to scale revenue-generating businesses. The programme is a women-focused accelerator designed to support growth-stage founders by improving access to finance, strengthening investment readiness, and expanding the impact of women-led enterprises.
SheAscends combines practical mentorship, targeted business training, and ecosystem access to help female founders overcome growth barriers. Through a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, participants gain hands-on knowledge from industry experts while building long-term connections with other women entrepreneurs and key stakeholders in the Nigerian startup ecosystem.
The 2026 edition continues its pilot phase in Lagos, focusing on impact-driven, tech-enabled businesses with proven traction.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the SheAscends Program 2026:
- Early to mid-growth stage businesses with existing customers and sales
- Minimum annual revenue of ₦6,000,000
- Women-owned or women-led businesses, or ventures serving women as core customers or employers
- Female founders aged between 30 and 45 years
- Business must be based in Lagos, Nigeria
- Open to businesses across sectors including food, retail, fashion, beauty, agriculture, and services
- For-profit and tech-enabled models, including traditional businesses with strong digital operations
Programme Benefits
Participants selected for the SheAscends Program will receive structured support aimed at sustainable business growth, including:
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced industry professionals
- Practical guidance on finance, operations, pricing, and scaling strategies
- Business training workshops delivered virtually and in person
- Access to growth capital of up to ₦1,000,000 for qualified businesses
- Peer learning within a supportive community of women founders
- Increased visibility through media features, case studies, and ecosystem showcases
- Training on impact measurement and gender-lens business integration
- Opportunities to connect with investors, development partners, and corporate collaborators
Application Process
Interested entrepreneurs can apply by completing the online application form. The process involves:
- Visiting the official SheAscends application page
- Filling out the application form with accurate business and personal details
- Submitting the form before the stated deadline
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further stages of the selection process.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the SheAscends Program 2026 is February 9, 2026. Applications submitted after this date may not be considered.
Official Links
Application Portal: https://seedstars.com/programs/sheascends
Programme Information Page: https://seedstars.com
Seedstars Africa Initiatives: https://seedstars.com/regions/africa
