In a major push to empower women-led businesses in Nigeria, Sterling Bank has announced an ambitious plan to disburse ₦500 billion in loans to female entrepreneurs under its flagship OneWoman initiative.
The programme is designed to improve access to finance, strengthen business capacity, and build a thriving ecosystem for women entrepreneurs—many of whom have historically been excluded from formal credit systems.
The OneWoman initiative by Sterling Bank is structured around three key pillars:
Capital – Providing access to loans and financial support
Capacity – Offering training and business development resources
Community – Building networks for collaboration and growth
The bank revealed that the long-term goal is to reach one million women with ₦500 billion in loans by 2030, positioning the programme as a major driver of inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.
Early indicators show that the initiative is already making an impact by expanding access to funding and equipping women with practical tools to grow sustainable businesses.
Addressing the Gender Financing Gap
Despite progress in financial inclusion, many Nigerian women still struggle to access structured financing.
According to insights shared within the programme:
Only a small percentage of women have access to formal credit
Many rely on informal funding sources
Limited access to capital restricts business expansion
This financing gap has remained a major challenge, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by women.
Why This Matters
The initiative has strong economic implications.
Women-led businesses play a critical role in Nigeria’s economy, especially in sectors like retail, agriculture, and services. By improving access to funding, the programme is expected to:
Boost small business growth
Create employment opportunities
Increase household income levels
Promote financial inclusion nationwide
For many women, access to structured loans could be the key to scaling their businesses and achieving long-term sustainability.
Opportunities to Take Advantage Of
The OneWoman initiative offers participants:
Access to large-scale funding opportunities
Business training and mentorship
Financial literacy support
Networking and community engagement
This combination of funding and support makes the programme more impactful than traditional loan schemes.
How to Apply for the Sterling Bank OneWoman Programme
Unlike typical grant programmes, the ₦500 billion initiative does not have a single application form. Instead, applications are done through the OneWoman platform and related funding programmes.
Step 1: Join the OneWoman Platform
Visit the official page to get started:
Register and become part of the OneWoman community
This gives you access to updates and opportunities
Step 2: Open a Sterling Bank Account
To access loans and financial support, applicants are required to have an account with Sterling Bank.
Step 3: Apply Through Available Programmes
Funding is rolled out in phases through different schemes, such as:
SME loan programmes
Training + funding initiatives
Special financing opportunities
Each programme comes with its own application process and requirements.
Step 4: Prepare Your Business Information
Applicants should have:
Business registration (if available)
Business plan or description
Financial records
Valid identification
Step 5: Stay Updated
Since the ₦500 billion fund will be released in phases:
Regularly check the OneWoman page
Follow updates from Sterling Bank
Apply early when new funding windows open
⚠️ Important Note
There is currently no one-time application portal for the full ₦500bn fund
The programme will be implemented gradually
No payment is required to apply — beware of scams
The ₦500 billion OneWoman initiative by Sterling Bank represents a bold step toward empowering women entrepreneurs and closing Nigeria’s gender financing gap.
By combining funding, training, and community support, the programme has the potential to transform millions of businesses and drive inclusive economic growth.
For women ready to scale their ventures, this initiative offers not just funding—but a pathway to long-term success.