The Visa Foundation, through the RevUp Women Incubation Program, an AfriLabs initiative facilitated by the RAD5 Tech hub, is set to empower women entrepreneurs in Abia State with $8,000 equity-free funding.
The Initiative is part of Visa’s mission to invest in society by empowering women and bridging the gender gap.
On Friday, April 24, these women entrepreneurs will take the stage to pitch for a total of $8,000 in equity-free funding. This is to scale their businesses and expand their impact. It is the main highlight of the RevUP Women Initiative’s Abia Awards Ceremony, which will be held on the same day at RAD5 Tech Hub in Aba.
A panel of carefully selected judges will be tasked with pruning pitches from Abia women entrepreneurs. They are to make their picks based on the impact of the respective women-led businesses in Abia State.
The RevUp Women Awards Ceremony and Demo Day is a celebration of women’s empowerment and acknowledgement of investing in the future of societies. The ceremony is implemented in Abia State by RAD5 Tech Hub. They are a pioneer tech hub driving the growth of tech in the Abia ecosystem.
10 Women Make the Final List for the RevUp Women Abia Demo Day
After an intense selection process, which includes a 12-week journey of learning, building, and growth. 10 women were selected to vie for the $8,000 equity free funding.
They are expected to take the stage at the RevUp Women Abia Demo Day to pitch their startup ideas and explain to the judges why they deserve to be selected for the seed fund. The Finalists are as follows
- Peace Eleonu of Brezamel Agro and allied services
- Blessing Alimata of Carrish Haircare
- Enyinnaya Deborah of Yadah Foods
- Ibigoni Fente George of Seven Figure Kapital
- Ogochukwu Emenike of Bookebonyi.com.ng limited
- Rita Onyinyechi Obi of Fendol Limited
- Utibe Akwa of Utytrends Global Ventures Ltd
- Stella Bekason Steibs Floral
- Okereke Chiemela of Scribe Studio
- Onuigbo Naomi of N-decency Ventures
One of these women will be selected for the grand prize on April 24, after the judges’ screening.
Visa Foundation Impacting Lives Through Its Equitable Access Initiative
The Visa Foundation is expanding its philanthropic footprint across African countries through its Equitable Access Initiative. This is a $200 million strategic commitment to support gender-diverse and inclusive small and micro businesses (SMBs).
AfriLabs, a major stakeholder in the RevUp Women Incubation program, received a major grant, part of a $1 million commitment, to fund the RevUp Women Initiative. This program supports early-stage, female-led startups across Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, the DR Congo, and South Africa.
Other engagements in Africa by the Visa Foundation include the Graca Machel Trust. The foundation funded the expansion of a flagship “Women Creating Wealth” program. This is active in Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, targeting growth-stage women entrepreneurs.
1 Comment
Making it to this stage is worth celebrating. Thank you Afrilabs,VISA and Rad5 for the opportunity