Call for Proposal Partnership for Tailored Business Mentorship & Coaching of Female-led Nano and Micro Businesses in Creative and Greening Sectors at Young Africa International

Background and Context

Nigeria's entrepreneurial landscape is dynamic, with women playing a central role in the nano and micro enterprise sector. According to SMEDAN and NBS, women own more than 40% of micro and small businesses. However, they remain disproportionately constrained by significant barriers including:

• Limited access to finance and credit due to collateral requirements, lack of networks, and gender bias
• Restricted market access and low visibility of products
• Skills gaps in business planning, financial literacy, and digital adoption
• Household responsibilities limiting time and flexibility to grow businesses
• Vulnerability to inflation, competition, and policy gaps

The Creative Economy ("Orange Economy") offers significant opportunities in fashion, digital media, film, performing arts, and tech innovation. The Green Economy is rapidly expanding with demand in renewable energy, recycling, waste management, and eco-friendly business solutions. However, women entrepreneurs in these spaces often operate informally and lack the mentorship, financial linkages, and structured business support necessary to scale.

This call aims to address these barriers by equipping women with tailored mentorship, business coaching, financial literacy, and linkages to finance and markets, enabling their growth into sustainable and resilient businesses.

Objectives and Outcomes

The intervention seeks to mentor and coach 2,000 female entrepreneurs:

• 1,000 in Creative Skills (Orange Economy)
• 1,000 in Greening Skills (Green Economy)

Expected Outcomes

• Female-led nano and micro businesses adopt improved business practices, record-keeping, and growth strategies
• Increased access to finance through linkages with microfinance institutions, cooperatives, savings groups, and digital finance platforms
• Expansion of market access through networks, branding, and digital visibility
• Growth in employment opportunities