First City Monument Bank Ltd. (FCMB) has joined forces with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to launch the transformative Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial spirit.
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative is a worldwide movement designed to stimulate economic advancement by equipping entrepreneurs across the globe with hands-on education, engaging experiences, and mentorship from distinguished educators affiliated with prestigious business schools, impacting over 200,000 entrepreneurs.
Crafted by Goldman Sachs and presented through the esteemed University of Leeds, the 10,000 Women Online education program is accessible to all small and medium enterprises (SMEs), facilitating their entry to all ten courses while providing eligibility to join the vibrant 10,000 Women alumni community.
Building upon a proud legacy of empowering female entrepreneurs, FCMB, through its innovative SheVentures initiative, has made significant strides in uplifting women entrepreneurs in Nigeria over the past five years. The program has disbursed interest-free loans amounting to N800 million and has extended training and mentorship to thousands of women-led SMEs.
Yemisi Edun, Managing Director of First City Monument Bank, remarked, Empowering women entrepreneurs is crucial for igniting innovation, fostering job creation, and stimulating economic development. This initiative will refine their skills and unlock fresh opportunities for their enterprises, aligning with our mission of nurturing inclusive and sustainable growth.
George Ogbonnaya, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Business Banking, accentuated the bank’s dedication to SMEs, affirming that, the collaboration champions gender parity within the entrepreneurial sphere and is poised to encourage sustainable growth for all.
Applications for the 10,000 Women Online program commenced on August 1, 2025, and will conclude on August 31, 2025, welcoming both budding and established female entrepreneurs throughout Nigeria. Additional information and application guidelines can be found at https://on.fcmb.com/10000Women-training
About IFC
The International Finance Corporation, based in Washington, D.C., is an esteemed international financial institution and a key member of the World Bank Group, dedicated to providing investment, advisory, and asset-management services to catalyze private-sector development in emerging economies.
About Goldman Sachs Foundation
Established in 1999, the Goldman Sachs Foundation is a global philanthropic entity committed to fostering local economic development and opportunities by investing in entrepreneurship worldwide.
About the University of Leeds
The University of Leeds stands as one of the largest educational institutions in the UK, hosting over 40,000 students from approximately 140 nations. It is globally acclaimed for its exceptional teaching and research standards.
Driven by our core values, we leverage our research and educational prowess to shape a better tomorrow for humanity, collaborating to address inequalities, achieve societal impact, and inspire change.
The University is proud to be a member of the Russell Group of research-rich universities and plays a pivotal role in the Alan Turing, Rosalind Franklin, and Royce Institutes.
