FCMB and IFC Partner to Empower Female Entrepreneurs through Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Initiative

Strategic Insights -

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to offer the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women course to promote entrepreneurship and enhance skills among female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. This initiative is part of FCMB's SheVentures program, which has contributed significantly to the empowerment of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria over the last five years, with zero-interest loans totaling N800 million and training and mentorship provided to thousands of women-led SMEs. The partnership aims to foster sustainable growth and promote gender equality within the entrepreneurial landscape. Applications for the 10,000 Women Online programme, open to start-ups and existing female entrepreneurs across Nigeria, opened on August 1, 2025, and will close on August 31, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • FCMB has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to roll out the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women course in Nigeria.
  • The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative provides entrepreneurs with practical education, interactive activities, and instruction by educators from top business schools, reaching over 200,000 entrepreneurs worldwide.
  • The 10,000 Women Online education programme is open to all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and grants access to all ten courses, as well as eligibility to join the 10,000 Women alumni community.
  • FCMB's SheVentures initiative has provided zero-interest loans totaling N800 million and offered training and mentorship to thousands of women-led SMEs over the last five years.
  • The partnership aims to promote entrepreneurship, enhance skills among female entrepreneurs, and foster sustainable growth.
  • Applications for the 10,000 Women Online programme opened on August 1, 2025, and will close on August 31, 2025.
  • The programme is open to start-ups and existing female entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

Statistics:

  • The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative has reached over 200,000 entrepreneurs worldwide.
  • FCMB's SheVentures initiative has provided zero-interest loans totaling N800 million over the last five years.
  • The programme has offered training and mentorship to thousands of women-led SMEs.
  • The 10,000 Women Online education programme is open to all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and grants access to all ten courses.
  • The programme aims to foster sustainable growth and promote gender equality within the entrepreneurial landscape.

Sources:

  • International Finance Corporation (IFC)
  • First City Monument Bank (FCMB)
  • Goldman Sachs
  • University of Leeds