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Women Entrepreneurship Development Program (WEDP) Application Call

Applications are now open for Cohort 2 of the Women Entrepreneurship Advancement Program (WEDP), an initiative designed to empower female entrepreneurs in Lagos, Nigeria. The program, supported by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with TAFTA - Terra Academy…

Women Entrepreneurship Development Program (WEDP) Application Call

Applications are now open for Cohort 2 of the Women Entrepreneurship Advancement Program (WEDP), an initiative designed to empower female entrepreneurs in Lagos, Nigeria. The program, supported by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with TAFTA – Terra Academy for the Arts, provides crucial skills, mentorship, and resources to help women build thriving businesses.

Why This Program Matters

Women-led businesses are a powerful engine for economic growth, yet they often encounter systemic barriers to success. These include limited access to training, mentorship opportunities, and vital growth capital. The WEDP directly addresses these challenges by fostering capacity building,providing personalized mentorship,and offering practical business support,ultimately enabling women entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into impactful,lasting enterprises.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for Cohort 2, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be an alumna of Lagos-based TAFTA – Terra Academy for the Arts.
  • Possess a demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship, either currently running a business or aspiring to launch one.
  • Commit fully to participation in the intensive 3-day bootcamp and the subsequent mentorship program.
  • Be receptive to business growth, accountability, and a structured learning surroundings.

Program Benefits

Participants selected for the WEDP will receive a thorough suite of benefits designed to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey:

  • Business Training and Coaching: Expert-led sessions covering essential business principles and best practices.
  • mentorship: Two months of dedicated mentorship from experienced business professionals.
  • Business Registration Support: Assistance with navigating the legal and administrative requirements of business registration.
  • Practical Business Tools & Frameworks: Access to resources and methodologies for effective business planning and management.
  • Pitch Deck Development: Guidance on crafting compelling pitch decks to attract investment.
  • Growth & Accountability Support: Ongoing support to ensure progress and address challenges.
  • Community Access: Connection to a vibrant network of fellow women entrepreneurs.

Application Deadline: January 10, 2026

Apply Here

About the author: Marcus Liu - Business Editor

MBA and ex‑B bureau chief specializing in global finance and fintech. Marcus speaks Mandarin, Japanese, and English, and has interviewed CEOs from the Fortune 50 to Y‑Combinator unicorns. Marcus Liu delivers sharp analysis on markets, startups, and corporate strategy for investors and entrepreneurs alike.