Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria can apply for the 2026 Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) Impact Investment Opportunity, which offers funding of up to ₦6 million to support business growth.

The programme targets eligible women-led businesses, particularly start-ups and enterprises operating for fewer than three years. Its focus includes food and beverages, sustainability, innovation and other qualifying business categories.

According to the published announcement, applications are expected to close on 23 October 2026. Applicants are advised to review the official requirements and submit their entries before the deadline.

WIMBIZ is a Nigerian organisation committed to empowering women in management, business and public service. Its Impact Investment Competition uses a business plan competition to help young Nigerian women entrepreneurs access investment opportunities that can strengthen business performance, sustainability and long-term growth.

Funding and eligible businesses

The 2026 opportunity offers eligible applicants consideration for funding of up to ₦6 million. The support could help businesses improve their products or services, expand operations and reach new markets.

However, ₦6 million is the advertised maximum, not a guaranteed award for every applicant. The amount awarded, number of beneficiaries and conditions attached to the funding should be confirmed through the official programme guidelines.

The published announcement identifies the following business areas:

• Food and beverages: Food production, catering, processing and related enterprises.
• Sustainability: Businesses offering products or services that address environmental and sustainability challenges.
• Innovation: Enterprises introducing new ideas, products, services or approaches to existing problems.
• Other eligible sectors: Applicants should consult the current application form to confirm whether their businesses qualify.

Entrepreneurs should clearly explain their business activities, target customers and how the proposed funding would support measurable growth.

Who can apply?

The opportunity is intended for female entrepreneurs seeking support to grow their businesses. WIMBIZ’s published description of the competition focuses on young Nigerian women operating start-ups or businesses that have been running for fewer than three years.

Applicants should confirm the specific 2026 eligibility requirements, including any age restrictions, citizenship or residency conditions, business registration requirements, eligible locations and sectors, and the need to provide business plans or financial records.

Meeting the general eligibility description does not guarantee selection.

Potential benefits

Successful applicants may receive funding of up to ₦6 million, subject to the programme’s selection process and award conditions. Depending on the approved use of funds, the investment could help businesses increase production, improve service delivery, strengthen operations or reach more customers.

Preparing a clear growth plan can also help entrepreneurs identify priorities, manage resources and plan for future challenges. Participation in the competition may provide an opportunity to showcase a business and its potential impact.

Applicants should verify which benefits are formally included in the 2026 programme rather than assume that every participant will receive all of them.

Documents to prepare

Before applying, entrepreneurs should organise the information and supporting documents that may be required. These could include:

• Personal and business contact details.
• A description of the business, products and services.
• A business plan outlining the growth strategy.
• Information about target customers and competitors.
• Revenue, expenditure and other financial records, where available.
• Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration documents, if required.
• A proposed budget explaining how the funding would be used.
• Evidence of business activity, customers, achievements or impact.

Applicants should provide accurate information and genuine documents. The official 2026 application instructions remain the authority on compulsory requirements.

How to apply

Interested entrepreneurs can follow these steps:

1. Review the programme: Visit the official WIMBIZ website at https://wimbiz.org/ to learn more about the organisation and its Impact Investment Competition.
2. Access the application form: Use the published link at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=67BjdZriTUeluW_zAF9dVjv9VRxhK0NFgKcr. Confirm that it relates to the 2026 WIMBIZ Impact Investment Opportunity before submitting personal information.
3. Complete the application: Provide the requested personal, business and financial details. Explain the business model, growth plans and intended use of the funding.
4. Check your submission: Review all responses and attachments for accuracy and ensure that the information matches any supporting documents.
5. Submit before the deadline: The published closing date is 23 October 2026. Apply early and retain any submission confirmation.

If the form is unavailable or its details differ from the published announcement, contact WIMBIZ for clarification.

Application deadline

The published announcement lists 23 October 2026 as the closing date. A confirmed opening date was not available in the information provided, so applicants should consult the official form or contact the organisers to establish whether applications are currently being accepted.

An accessible application link does not, by itself, confirm that submissions remain open.

Tips for a stronger application

Entrepreneurs can improve their applications by clearly explaining the customer problem their businesses solve, how they generate revenue and what they plan to achieve over the next six to 12 months.

A detailed funding budget should show how the money would be spent and why each expense is necessary. Where available, customer numbers, sales records and testimonials can help demonstrate demand.

Applicants should also identify measurable outcomes, such as reaching more customers, creating jobs or addressing a social or environmental challenge. Financial projections should be realistic and supported by reasonable assumptions.

A strong business plan should explain both the need for funding and how the proposed investment could support sustainable growth.

Beware of grant scams

Applicants should use the official WIMBIZ website and the published application link when seeking information about the opportunity.

They should avoid unofficial agents promising guaranteed selection, never disclose banking passwords, PINs or one-time verification codes, and verify any application fee against official programme instructions.

Claims that every applicant will receive ₦6 million should also be treated with caution. The advertised amount represents the maximum funding opportunity, not a guarantee of payment to every applicant.