By JKNewsMedia
CONCERNS OVER the persistent financing and capacity gaps affecting women-led businesses in Nigeria forms the backdrop of the forthcoming Women Investment Readiness Accelerator (WIRA) Demo Day, scheduled for 21 November 2025.
According to the organisers, the event, supported by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and Sterling One Foundation, will serve as the final phase of the accelerator programme, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their ventures to targeted investors and strategic partners.
The announcement highlighted that the Demo Day represents the final phase of WIRA, bringing together entrepreneurs who have completed weeks of structured business development sessions.
Those selected for the accelerator have undergone targeted mentorship, investment readiness coaching, and training focused on strengthening their capacity to attract capital and sustain long-term enterprise growth.
According to the organisers, the event will offer the participants the opportunity to pitch directly to a curated audience of investors, development finance institutions, and ecosystem partners who play strategic roles in advancing entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The WIRA initiative, according to information from DBN and the Sterling One Foundation, was established to close the persistent capacity and financing gaps that hinder the progress of women-led businesses.
The organisers noted that despite the influence women entrepreneurs have in productive sectors and job creation, they continue to face difficulties in accessing funding, advisory services, market entry opportunities, and professional networks essential for scaling operations.
WIRA was therefore designed to respond to these challenges by equipping participants with expertise, practical tools, and confidence to operate competitively in evolving markets.
Organisers explained that the Demo Day will serve as the platform for showcasing the outcomes of the programme while linking entrepreneurs to partnerships capable of amplifying the impact of their enterprises.
They stated that the structure of the event reflects the broader mission of the accelerator, which is to enable women to become investment-ready and position them for long-term growth.
Speaking ahead of the Demo Day, Dr Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Development Bank of Nigeria Plc, emphasised the significance of the initiative.
He stated that WIRA represents a deliberate step toward unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs who have not consistently benefited from the financial and structural support available within the business environment.
According to his statement, DBN recognises that strengthening women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises is essential for achieving inclusive economic progress in the country.
Dr Okpanachi noted that the Demo Day will demonstrate the innovation and resilience demonstrated throughout the programme and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with partners positioned to support the expansion of their ideas.
His statement reiterated DBN’s ongoing commitment to supporting enterprises through initiatives that drive financial inclusion and capacity building for underserved business owners.
The announcement also included remarks from Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation.
She said the Demo Day reflects the Foundation’s sustained commitment to women’s economic empowerment and long-term enterprise development.
The Foundation said it also aims to expand the pathways to funding and increase visibility for women entrepreneurs through its programmes.
She explained that WIRA was developed not only to build business capacity but to widen access to networks and opportunities that enhance sustainable enterprise growth.
Ms Ibekwe stated that the Demo Day extends beyond a pitch event. She described it as a platform that acknowledges the voices and impact of women entrepreneurs while creating avenues for future support from organisations and investors.
She further noted that the Foundation looks forward to presenting the progress of the entrepreneurs who have taken part in the accelerator and engaging partners who can help elevate the outcomes of the initiative.
The organisers added that the event is expected to bring together impact investors, commercial lenders, development finance institutions, and private sector partners who are active contributors to the women entrepreneurship ecosystem.
They explained that the broad participation underscores the relevance of WIRA and the growing recognition of the value women-led enterprises bring to national development efforts.
The press information also included background details on the Development Bank of Nigeria. It stated that DBN was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with global development institutions to address the major financing challenges faced by micro, small, and medium-scale businesses.
The bank’s objective, according to the statement, is to reduce the constraints facing MSMEs and small corporates through the provision of financing and partial credit guarantees to eligible financial institutions.
The statement added that DBN’s approach is market-conforming and designed to remain financially sustainable.
The organisers also stated that the WIRA Demo Day will close a cycle of structured enterprise support, mentorship, and investment readiness activities that the participating entrepreneurs have undergone.
They noted that the event is expected to reinforce the objective of enhancing women’s business capacity while linking them with institutions capable of providing financing and markets.
The Demo Day, according to the announcement, will play an important role in the journey toward strengthening women-led enterprises and demonstrating the tangible outcomes of capacity-building initiatives supported by DBN, AFD, and the Sterling One Foundation.
The release concluded with contact information from Sterling One Foundation’s Public Relations unit, represented by Chiwendu Isaiah, and highlighted the online platforms where additional details about DBN and the Foundation can be found.
