Wema Bank, in partnership with Assembly Hub, has launched a business accelerator program called “The Creative Class” to empower and support entrepreneurs in Africa’s thriving fashion industry.
The intensive four-week program aims to provide crucial business support, mentorship, and peer learning opportunities for emerging and established entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. The program is open to individuals aged 21 to 35.
Tunde Mabawonku, the Executive Director Retail and Digital at Wema Bank, highlighted the bank’s commitment to promoting women’s entrepreneurship.
“At Wema Bank, we recognize that women’s entrepreneurship is essential for economic growth. Initiatives like SARA reflect our dedication to empowering young entrepreneurs,” said Mabawonku.
“The Creative Class” program aims to revolutionize the fashion landscape by nurturing emerging talent and scaling up innovative ideas. It offers comprehensive masterclasses taught by industry experts, hands-on business modeling workshops, and intensive pitch readiness training.
Participating entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to compete for a substantial reward. A total of N2.5 million in cash grant awards (N500,000 each for the top five finalists) will be disbursed to accelerate the growth of the winning startups.
The program will be conducted both physically and virtually. Physical classes will take place at Purple Academy in Ilupeju, while the virtual component ensures accessibility and flexibility for participants.
“The Creative Class” welcomes creative individuals from various niches, including fashion, textile, accessories, jewelry, fashtech, home goods, and the creative arts.
Participation in the program is open to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs who have been operating for zero to 11 months for the “Fashion ENTR_” pathway and for more than 12 months for the “Fashion NXT_” pathway.
By partnering with Assembly Hub, Wema Bank seeks to empower and uplift entrepreneurs in the fashion industry by providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and support to succeed in their business ventures.
This collaboration reaffirms Wema Bank’s commitment to driving economic growth and fostering entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s fashion industry.
Olusola Akintonde/Punch
