An Abuja-based non-profit organisation (NGO), Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA), has introduced a pitch competition known as WenA SCALE for entrepreneurs in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector in the north central region of Nigeria.
The aim of this programme is to identify, equip, and connect high-potential businesses with strategic investment opportunities, driving economic growth and scalability.
The group has called on SMEs looking to scale their businesses to apply for the initiative, with collaboration sought from ecosystem enablers, impact investors, and development institutions.
They will join GIZ, Bank of Industry (BoI), Stanbic IBTC, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Welcome to Africa, and a diverse group of investors, technical experts, and mentors who are already partners.
WenA SCALE will run across Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger States, culminating in a grand regional showcase at the 5th WenA Conference in July 2025.
About 150 small business owners will be selected for a one-month intensive training program, preparing them for investment and expansion, while top-performing start-ups will pitch for investment at the state level, with the top 3 ventures from each state advancing to the regional finals.
“WenA SCALE is more than a competition; it's a pipeline for discovering and supporting investment-ready SMEs that can scale and drive economic growth in Nigeria,” Ms Aisha Babangida stated.