In a bold step to accelerate women-led enterprise growth in Nigeria, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has joined forces with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to deliver the globally acclaimed Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program.
The initiative, developed by Goldman Sachs and hosted online by the University of Leeds, offers small and medium-sized businesses unrestricted access to 10 comprehensive courses covering essential business skills. Participants also gain entry into a thriving global alumni network of female entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the program has reached over 200,000 entrepreneurs worldwide, blending practical education with interactive learning and expert-led sessions from top business schools.
This partnership builds on FCMB’s ongoing commitment to women’s economic empowerment. Through its flagship SheVentures platform, the bank has, over the past five years, disbursed interest-free loans worth up to ₦800 million and delivered tailored training and mentorship to thousands of women-led SMEs across the country.
Speaking on the collaboration, FCMB Managing Director Yemisi Edun said:
“Women entrepreneurs are a driving force for innovation, employment, and national growth. This program will sharpen their business acumen and open doors to new possibilities, perfectly aligning with our mission of promoting inclusive and sustainable prosperity.”
Reinforcing the bank’s dedication to small businesses, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Business Banking, George Ogbonnaya, noted that the initiative is more than a training program—it’s a strategic move to advance gender equality in entrepreneurship while ensuring long-term growth for the SME sector.
With this move, FCMB and IFC aim to position more Nigerian women at the forefront of business success, equipping them with the skills, networks, and confidence to scale their ventures globally.
