The U.S Consulate in Lagos has partnered with Venture Garden Foundation and Ascend Studios Foundation to equip 250 Nigerian women with entrepreneurial skills. 

The initiative is in partnership with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs programme and has the objective to create sustainable businesses.  

A press statement issued Monday by the U.S Consulate says 250 participants will be selected for the programme, and the application portal is currently open and closes on April 7.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the American Corner in Ikeja, the consulate deputy public affairs officer, Jennifer Foltz said, “The Venture Garden Foundation team will bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program in Nigeria.”

She added, “We are confident that their contributions to and engagement with the AWE participants will result in improved leadership, public speaking, time management, self-confidence and financing options.”  

The Group Head of Venture Garden Foundation, Tesilimi Yusuf, said his organisation was offering to support the programme to ensure emerging women entrepreneurs compete more effectively with cutting-edge technological solutions. 

The President of Ascend Studios Foundation, Inya Lawal, said over 520 participants have graduated from the programme in the last four years.

“AWE is a transformative initiative that is helping women in Nigeria build and sustain their businesses; the opportunities that come from this program are immense,” Ms Lawal said

The form application is free and open for women entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses to register on the platform of Awe Nigeria.