Applications are open for Cohort 2 of the Pathways to Scale (P2S) programme, an initiative supporting women entrepreneurs in Nigeria with access to finance, business support, mentorship and connections to investors and other business partners.\n<\/p>\n
The current call is targeted at women who own or run businesses in agriculture and related sectors, particularly businesses operating in rural or peri-urban communities.\n<\/p>\n
Selected businesses can access concessional loans ranging from \u20a610 million to \u20a6300 million, alongside tailored business support and mentorship.\n<\/p>\n
Applications close on October 7, 2026.\n<\/p>\n
About Pathways to Scale<\/p>\n
Pathways to Scale is a five-year, $45 million programme led by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.<\/p>\n
The programme operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia and Rwanda and aims to support 13,000 women-owned and women-led enterprises while creating or sustaining 108,000 work opportunities for young women.\n<\/p>\n
In Nigeria, the programme is supporting women-led businesses to improve access to finance, business development support, markets and professional networks.\n<\/p>\n
The current application is being conducted through the programme\u2019s Nigeria implementation partners, including Shecluded. The official application form identifies the process as an initial due-diligence exercise for the Pathways to Scale programme.\n<\/p>\n
Who Can Apply?<\/p>\n
The current Cohort 2 call is designed for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria whose businesses operate in agriculture or related sectors.\n<\/p>\n
Applicants should have a business that:<\/p>\n
Operates in agriculture or an agriculture-related sector
\nIs located in or serves a rural or peri-urban community in Nigeria
\nGenerates more than \u20a688 million in annual sales, according to the current call
\nIs owned or led by women
\nIs actively operating and ready for business growth
\nCan participate in the programme\u2019s business support and coaching activities<\/p>\n
The application form asks applicants to provide information about the percentage of the business owned by women, their role in the business and their ability to make major business decisions.\n<\/p>\n
Which Businesses Are Eligible?<\/p>\n
The application form covers a broad range of agriculture and related businesses, including:\n<\/p>\n
Agricultural input supply
\nCrop production
\nLivestock and poultry
\nAquaculture
\nProcessing and value addition
\nAggregation and storage
\nDistribution and transport
\nAgricultural marketing and sales
\nAgricultural exports
\nAgri-services
\nAgriTech
\nRelated financial services<\/p>\n
Applicants are also asked to explain how their businesses work with rural communities, including whether they buy from rural communities, provide services to them or employ women in rural areas.\n<\/p>\n
What Will Successful Applicants Receive?
\nAccess to Concessional Loans<\/p>\n
The current Cohort 2 announcement advertises access to concessional loans from \u20a610 million to \u20a6300 million for eligible businesses.\n<\/p>\n
This is loan financing, not a grant, so applicants should assess their ability to repay before applying.\n<\/p>\n
Tailored Business Support<\/p>\n
Selected businesses will receive tailored support aimed at helping them strengthen their operations and prepare for growth.\n<\/p>\n
The current call identifies business support powered by SIGMAT AI as part of the programme.<\/p>\n
Mentorship and Advisory Support<\/p>\n
Participants can access mentorship and advisory support from experienced professionals and industry experts.\n<\/p>\n
Investor and Corporate Connections<\/p>\n
The programme also provides opportunities to connect participating businesses with:\n<\/p>\n
Investors
\nFinancial institutions
\nCorporates
\nOther ecosystem partners<\/p>\n
Entrepreneur Networking<\/p>\n
Selected women entrepreneurs will have opportunities to build relationships with other businesses and organisations within the Pathways to Scale ecosystem.\n<\/p>\n
What Information Is Required?<\/p>\n
The application form is detailed and functions as an initial business due-diligence process.\n<\/p>\n
Applicants are asked to provide information including:\n<\/p>\n
Personal and contact details
\nBusiness name and website
\nBusiness ownership structure
\nFounder\/management role
\nBusiness location
\nType of settlement
\nBusiness registration status
\nAnnual sales
\nAnnual profit
\nIndustry and business activities
\nNumber of employees
\nBusiness costs
\nExisting loans
\nPrevious funding
\nBusiness financing needs
\nCustomer and sales information
\nWomen ownership and leadership
\nNumber of young women employed
\nNumber of women benefiting from the business
\nJobs created for rural and peri-urban women<\/p>\n
The form also asks applicants about their ability to participate in online training and coaching sessions.\n<\/p>\n
What Does the Programme Look For?<\/p>\n
The application process goes beyond simply asking about the business idea.<\/p>\n
Applicants will need to provide information that helps the programme understand the business\u2019s:\n<\/p>\n
Current revenue
\nProfitability
\nOwnership
\nOperations
\nFinancing needs
\nExisting debt
\nMarket activity
\nWorkforce
\nImpact on women
\nLinks with rural and peri-urban communities<\/p>\n
The form also asks businesses to identify the areas where they need support, including financial support, equipment, mentorship, technical training and market access.\n<\/p>\n
How to Apply<\/p>\n
Interested women entrepreneurs can complete the Pathways to Scale Nigeria application form online.\n<\/p>\n