Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria aren’t waiting for handouts, they’re building, scaling, and solving real business problems. But even the most determined entrepreneur needs support.
That’s where we came in. In partnership with the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC), Sariva Healthcare, led by the Founder, Hussaina Patience Ajala, embarked on the Women Entrepreneurs Training Workshop. It is a practical, community-based initiative to help women tackle challenges in business, such as structure, growth strategy, marketing, and being grant-ready. This wasn’t your typical seminar. There were no stiff presentations. We had hands-on learning, real conversations, and post-workshop support that extended beyond the room.
Over several months, we brought together over 100 ambitious women across Lagos state, in cohorts spanning Surulere, Ikeja, Ogba, and Lekki. And what happened next proved one thing: give women the right tools, and they’ll build something unstoppable.
Why We Did It
Running a business in Nigeria isn’t for the faint-hearted. For many women, the struggle isn’t a lack of ambition, it’s a lack of support. Most aren’t short on ideas; they’re short on access, structure, and strategy.
That’s why we created a workshop that wasn’t just about learning, it was about doing. As part of our corporate social responsibility and partnership with AWEC, this workshop was implemented to help women in business. The goal is to identify challenges, design solutions, and provide the kind of follow-up that turns ideas into action.
What We Did
Our approach was anything but traditional. The workshops we hosted weren’t lectures, they were labs.
Each session was built around diagnostics; real-time exercises to uncover what was holding each woman’s business back. We worked through marketing and sales plans, tackled visibility issues, identified their target audience, explored customer engagement gaps, and addressed readiness for external funding. The women didn’t just listen, they worked, planned, and walked away with actionable strategies.
And yes, there was food, snacks, and drinks too. Yes, because clarity always hits better on a full stomach.
And after the workshops? The support didn’t stop:
- Our Business Community Manager held one-on-one strategy calls with participants.
- Businesses received social media promotion and support.
- We ran bi-weekly check-ins.
- Women were guided on how to prepare and apply for micro-grants.
What They Asked
Naturally, many women asked: “Will I get money for my business?”
A fair question. But we flipped it: Is your business truly ready for money?
Through this workshop, we emphasized the importance of being grant-ready. That means understanding your numbers, building a brand that communicates value, and putting the right systems in place to scale sustainably. Because when the money shows up, your business needs to be ready to use it wisely.
What They Said
We heard powerful feedback that reminded us why this matters:
“The workshop helped me with clarity on how to address my challenge of visibility and marketing”
“You have shown the light on the root cause of the challenge I currently have in my business. You have also given me work tools to solve them. Thank you.”
“You have really helped in terms of networking and knowing who my customers are.”
“Thank you for your continued support and guidance.”
“I really enjoyed and appreciate the effort on my business… the snacks and food… I really appreciate.”
“It was an eye opener sharing and knowing I am not alone”
“It was a very nice workshop. The organisers were top-notch. May God bless them all.”
“The room was buzzing with ideas, collaboration, and shared experiences... It was an epic experience that reaffirmed the power of community and learning together. Truly a weekend well spent for me!”
“The workshop was very informative, I would love to attend future workshops.”
These aren’t just kind words. They are proof that this initiative is landing where it counts.
What We Learned
Most women had different businesses, but nearly every one shared the same desire: to grow. To do that, they needed more than theory. They needed:
- Personalized feedback that met them where they were
- A peer group that held them accountable and shared insights
- Tools they could use to see real progress
Even the smaller groups had the most meaningful moments. Lower numbers in some cohorts allowed for deeper discussions, more tailored guidance, and stronger connections.
Where We’re Going Next
This is only the beginning.
From 100+ women, we’re setting our sights on many more empowered women entrepreneurs in Nigeria for the next cohorts. And not just attendees, we’re talking about supported, growing, thriving businesses that will create jobs, solve problems, and shift Nigeria’s economic story.
Want to join us?
Follow along. Show up. Share. Or start with one message to a woman you know is building something great.
Because this is a movement, and we’re just getting started.
Ready to support or benefit from the next phase? Contact us on WhatsApp: 08090920228 or Call: 08145122754 to learn more about future workshops, partnership opportunities, or resources for women-led businesses.
