Are you a woman entrepreneur in Nigeria looking to grow your business, improve your leadership skills, and gain access to world-class business training? If yes, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and the ExxonMobil Foundation have partnered over the years to support thousands of women-owned businesses through various entrepreneurship programmes.
Although the article originally focused on the 2021 Road to Growth Programme, that application window has closed. However, the partnership between the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and the ExxonMobil Foundation has continued to empower female entrepreneurs through new initiatives, digital business training, mentoring, and financial inclusion programmes.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the Foundation, its programmes in Nigeria, eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, and where to find the latest opportunities.
You may also like: How to Apply for Cherie Blair Foundation Mentoring Women in Business Programme.
About the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women
The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women is an international non-profit organization established in 2008 by Cherie Blair CBE KC. The Foundation works to empower women entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries by providing access to business training, mentoring, technology, and financial resources.
Its mission is to help women start, sustain, and grow successful businesses so they can become financially independent, create jobs, and contribute to the economic development of their communities.
The Foundation has supported hundreds of thousands of women entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America through innovative business development programmes.
About the ExxonMobil Foundation
The ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of ExxonMobil. Through partnerships with reputable organizations, the Foundation invests in education, women’s economic empowerment, public health, and community development.
In Nigeria, ExxonMobil has partnered with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women to support female entrepreneurs by providing practical business training, mentoring opportunities, and access to digital tools that help businesses grow.
What is the Road to Growth Programme?
The Road to Growth Programme is one of the flagship initiatives implemented by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women in partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation.
The programme is designed to help women-owned small businesses become more profitable and sustainable by providing participants with practical entrepreneurial skills and access to business support resources.
The 2021 edition marked the fourth phase of the programme in Nigeria, during which more than 22,500 women entrepreneurs had already benefited from various business support initiatives under the partnership.
Since then, newer editions and related programmes have continued to support women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
Benefits of the Programme
Participants in the programme enjoy several benefits, including:
- Free business and entrepreneurship training.
- Leadership and management development.
- Financial literacy education.
- Business growth strategies.
- Marketing and branding techniques.
- Digital business skills.
- Networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs.
- Access to experienced business mentors.
- Improved business planning and record-keeping.
- Increased confidence in running and expanding a business.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specific programme or application cycle. However, applicants are generally expected to:
- Be a woman entrepreneur.
- Own or operate a small or medium-sized business.
- Be willing to participate in online or physical training sessions.
- Have access to a mobile phone or internet-enabled device for digital learning.
- Be committed to completing all programme activities.
Always read the official application guidelines for the specific programme before applying.
Training Structure
The 2021 Road to Growth Programme featured an intensive seven-week business training programme designed to strengthen participants’ entrepreneurial capacity.
Depending on the current programme edition, training may include:
- Business planning.
- Financial management.
- Marketing strategies.
- Customer relationship management.
- Digital marketing.
- Leadership development.
- Business resilience.
- Access to finance.
How to Apply
The specific application portal changes depending on the programme currently accepting applications.
To apply for any active programme:
- Visit the official Cherie Blair Foundation for Women website.
- Navigate to the “Programmes” or “Opportunities” section.
- Select the programme currently open for applications.
- Create an account if required.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit all requested information before the deadline.
Important: The application link used for the 2021 Road to Growth Programme is no longer active because that application cycle has ended.
Application Deadline
The closing date varies for each programme. Interested applicants should regularly check the Foundation’s official website for the latest opportunities and application deadlines.
How to Know When a New Programme Opens
You can stay informed by:
- Visiting the official Cherie Blair Foundation for Women website.
- Following the Foundation on its official social media platforms.
- Bookmarking this page for future updates.
- Subscribing to our website for scholarship and empowerment programme alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the 2021 Road to Growth Programme still accepting applications?
No. The 2021 application cycle has closed.
Can Nigerian women still apply for Cherie Blair Foundation programmes?
Yes. The Foundation periodically launches new entrepreneurship and mentoring programmes for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria and other countries.
Is the programme free?
Yes. Most of the Foundation’s entrepreneurship training programmes are offered free of charge to successful applicants.
Does the programme provide grants?
Some programmes focus primarily on training and mentoring, while others may include access to financial support or opportunities to connect with funding organizations. Applicants should read the details of each programme before applying.
Can startup business owners apply?
Eligibility depends on the specific programme. Some programmes accept early-stage entrepreneurs, while others target women with existing businesses.
Related Opportunities
- Cherie Blair Foundation Mentoring Women in Business Programme
- Latest Scholarships and Empowerment Programmes
- Latest Job Opportunities in Nigeria
- Business Grants and Funding Opportunities
Conclusion
The partnership between the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and the ExxonMobil Foundation has positively impacted thousands of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria by providing quality business education, mentoring, leadership development, and entrepreneurship support.
Although the 2021 Road to Growth Programme has ended, the Foundation continues to introduce new opportunities that help women build stronger and more profitable businesses.
If you’re a female entrepreneur seeking to improve your business skills, expand your network, or access future business development programmes, regularly monitor the official Foundation website for new application announcements. Early applications often stand a better chance of being considered.
If you have questions about the programme or would like updates whenever new opportunities become available, let us know in the comments section below.
