Meet the Female Founders Who Just Secured $10 Billion to Close Nigeria's $42 Billion Funding Gap

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: A Transformative Leap Towards Financial Equality and Business Growth

Welcome to this edition! We’re thrilled to bring you inspiring stories of female founders who are making significant strides in the entrepreneurial landscape. As initiatives like the N10 billion Project Guaranteed Loans for Women (GLOW) launch, one can't help but wonder: How will this monumental investment reshape the future for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond?

🚀 Startup of the Week: Bank of Industry (BOI)

• Industry: Financial Services for Entrepreneurship
• Founder: Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director/CEO at BOI, brings extensive experience in financial management and development banking, with a commitment to empowering women in business.
• Recent Achievement: BOI recently launched the N10 billion Project Guaranteed Loans for Women (GLOW), aimed at enhancing financial access for female entrepreneurs, a pressing need identified during discussions on International Women's Day. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aligning with the focus on bridging the $42 billion financing gap for women-owned businesses in Nigeria. More details can be found here: BOI rolls out N10bn project guaranteed loans for women.
• Location: Nigeria

🚀 Startup of the Week: Donghua University's Ripples Program

• Industry: Education and Entrepreneurship Support
• Founder: The initiative is supported by East China University of Science and Technology, which is known for its dedication to innovative education and community support, founded on principles that foster entrepreneurial growth.
• Recent Achievement: On March 8, 2025, Donghua University hosted the event 'Paying Tribute to Her Power, Entrepreneurship Shines', launching the 'Ripples Program' which encompasses five key areas for supporting female entrepreneurs. The program received considerable attention with over 2023 views during the event, showcasing the community's enthusiasm for women's empowerment in business. Details can be accessed at: 活动回顾 | 东华大学MBA女性创业沙龙启动仪式.
• Location: Shanghai, China

🚀 Startup of the Week: Pigtails & Crewcuts

• Industry: Franchising and Childcare Services
• Founder: Pigtails & Crewcuts franchises are operated by dynamic female entrepreneurs like Marie DeFede and Deean Ferrone, who have successfully transitioned into franchise ownership. Their stories reflect resilience and innovation in a competitive market.
• Recent Achievement: Celebrating Women's History Month, Pigtails & Crewcuts highlighted the journeys of multiple women franchise owners, emphasizing the significant role of franchising in providing flexibility and support, making it possible for women to balance work and personal life effectively. This initiative is a testament to the growing influence of women in the franchising space, showcasing how these leaders are reshaping the industry. Read more about their inspiring journeys here: Empowering Women in Franchising: Pigtails & Crewcuts.
• Location: Various locations across the United States

🌟 Why It Matters

The work being undertaken by the Bank of Industry (BOI), Donghua University's Ripples Program, and Pigtails & Crewcuts represents a significant shift in the entrepreneurial landscape, particularly for women, who have long faced obstacles in accessing resources and networks necessary for establishing and growing their businesses.

1. Bank of Industry (BOI): Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Olasupo Olusi, BOI has initiated the N10 billion Project Guaranteed Loans for Women (GLOW) to directly address the significant financing gap faced by women-owned businesses in Nigeria, which is currently estimated at over $42 billion. This initiative not only empowers female entrepreneurs by providing crucial funding but also seeks to create a more equitable financial services landscape, challenging the traditional barriers women face in accessing capital. The program highlights the importance of tailored financial products and structured support for a demographic that has historically been underrepresented in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More details on this vital initiative can be found here.

2. Donghua University's Ripples Program: The launch of this program signifies the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial environment for women. With a focus on mentorship, competitions, and resource linkage, Donghua University aims to not only enhance the skills of female entrepreneurs but also to inspire broader community engagement. The program highlights the importance of creating supportive ecosystems that nurture and empower women entrepreneurs to succeed in various industries, showcasing how educational institutions can impact entrepreneurship positively. The enthusiasm shown during their recent event underscores the local community's commitment to championing women's contributions to business. For more context, visit here.

3. Pigtails & Crewcuts: This franchise has become a beacon of hope for women seeking flexible and supportive business opportunities. By showcasing the narratives of successful female franchisees like Marie DeFede and Deean Ferrone, Pigtails & Crewcuts highlights the transformative power of franchising, which provides a viable path for women to balance personal responsibilities and professional aspirations. Their approach to nurturing female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field exemplifies the kind of inclusive business practices that can inspire future entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams, reinforcing the idea that women can thrive in any industry. For insight into their empowering initiatives, read more here.

Together, these initiatives not only reshape the narrative around women in entrepreneurship but also advance a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and empowerment in business. Their collective impact has far-reaching implications, supporting not only the entrepreneurs involved but also inspiring future generations of women leaders.

🏆 Key Milestones

• Empowering Women in Nigeria: The Bank of Industry (BOI) launched the N10 billion Project Guaranteed Loans for Women (GLOW), underlining its commitment to improving financial access for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. This initiative aims to bridge the staggering $42 billion financing gap, supporting over 23 million women entrepreneurs, and was celebrated during International Women's Day in Lagos. More on this groundbreaking program can be found here.

• Launch of the Ripples Program at Donghua University: On March 8, 2025, Donghua University introduced the 'Ripples Program', aimed at supporting women in entrepreneurship through mentorship and competitions. The event attracted significant attention, garnering over 2023 views, showcasing the local community’s enthusiasm for women's empowerment in business. For more details, visit here.

• Celebrating Women Franchise Owners: In recognition of Women's History Month, Pigtails & Crewcuts highlighted the inspiring journeys of women who transitioned into franchise ownership, emphasizing the flexibility and community support that franchising offers female entrepreneurs. This acknowledgment reflects a growing trend of women taking on leadership roles within traditionally male-dominated sectors, reinforcing the importance of diversity in business. Read more about their journeys here.

📈 Market Impact

The Bank of Industry (BOI) is strategically positioning itself as a vital player in the financial services sector, specifically tailored to empower female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. By launching the N10 billion Project Guaranteed Loans for Women (GLOW), BOI sets itself apart from competitors by not only addressing existing financial gaps but also by offering structured support that directly targets the unique challenges faced by women-led businesses. This initiative is especially crucial given the staggering $42 billion financing gap identified for women-owned enterprises in Nigeria.

BOI's GLOW initiative harnesses innovative financial products designed to meet the distinct needs of female entrepreneurs, providing them with both necessary funding and supportive resources. This type of focused approach not only empowers women but also promotes a more equitable landscape in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Female founders are equipped with the tools they need to thrive, which, in turn, contributes to broader economic growth and poverty alleviation.

The target audience for BOI's offerings includes the over 23 million women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, representing a significant segment of the country's micro-businesses. By addressing the financial barriers that have historically hindered this group, BOI not only fosters individual success stories but also enhances community development through the success of women-led ventures. For more detailed insights about this initiative, please visit here.

In a similar vein, Donghua University's Ripples Program stands out within the educational sector as it commits to nurturing female entrepreneurs through mentorship, competitions, and resource linkages. This program focuses on creating an inclusive environment that allows women to engage actively and innovatively in various industries. The recent launch of the Ripples Program garnered over 2023 online views, highlighting strong community interest in women’s entrepreneurial initiatives. More on this pioneering program can be found here.

Meanwhile, the narrative of women transitioning into franchise ownership at Pigtails & Crewcuts showcases yet another layer of market impact. By providing flexible business opportunities that accommodate both professional ambitions and personal responsibilities, this franchise model empowers women to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Through the shared stories of successful franchisees, Pigtails & Crewcuts exemplifies the potential of franchising as a supportive platform for aspiring female entrepreneurs, reinforcing the role of diversity in driving innovation. To explore more about this empowering initiative, visit here.

Collectively, these initiatives are redefining industry standards, promoting diversity, and demonstrating how focused advocacy for women in entrepreneurship can lead to substantial economic contributions and inspire the next generation of female leaders.

🤝 How You Can Support

• Follow and Engage: Connect with the Bank of Industry (BOI) on their social platforms to stay updated on their initiatives like the N10 billion Project Guaranteed Loans for Women (GLOW), which aims to empower female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Your support can amplify their message and help bridge the critical financing gap that women-owned businesses face. Discover more here.

• Share Inspiring Stories: Help spread the word about Donghua University's Ripples Program, designed to uplift women entrepreneurs through mentorship and innovative competitions. By sharing their recent event and the success stories of participants, you can inspire more women to engage in entrepreneurship. Check out the details here.

• Support Women in Franchising: Celebrate and amplify the journeys of female franchise owners like those from Pigtails & Crewcuts. Promote their inspiring stories that highlight the flexibility and community support in franchising, encouraging others to pursue similar paths in business. Learn about their journeys here.

Your engagement can make a considerable difference in fostering an inclusive and innovative startup ecosystem where female-led ventures can thrive!