Sara by Wema, has collaborated with Assembly Hub on its business accelerator programme titled, “The Creative Class,” aimed at upskilling and empowering budding entrepreneurs in Africa’s vibrant fashion industry.
A statement from Wema Bank said the intensive 4-week accelerator programme was designed to provide crucial business support, mentorship, and peer learning opportunities for both emerging and established entrepreneurs, aged 21 to 35.
Executive Director Retail and Digital Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku, emphasised the bank’s dedication to women’s entrepreneurship.
He said, “At Wema Bank, we understand that women’s entrepreneurship is the lifeline for economic growth. This commitment is evident through initiatives like SARA, aligned with our mission to empower young entrepreneurs.
“The Creative Class” is set to transform the fashion landscape by nurturing fresh talent and scaling up innovative ideas. The programme boasts an array of comprehensive masterclasses taught by industry experts, hands-on business modeling workshops, and intensive pitch readiness training.”
Entrepreneurs participating in “The Creative Class” would have the opportunity to compete for a substantial reward, it stated.
The statement said, “A total of N2.5m in cash grant awards (N500,000 each for the top five finalists) will be disbursed to accelerate the growth of the winning startups.
“This programme will be both physical and virtual. While physical classes will be held at Purple Academy in Ilupeju, the virtual component ensures accessibility and flexibility for participants.
“The Creative Class welcomes creative minds from various niches, including fashion, textile, accessories, jewelry, fashtech, home goods, and the creative arts.”
The bank said participation was open to Small and Medium Enterprises and Entrepreneurs who had been operating for zero to 11 months for the ‘Fashion ENTR_’ pathway, and for more than 12 months for the “Fashion NXT_” pathway.
