Bankable Wisdom, Partners Host 2025 Venture Grants Bootcamp in Lagos to Empower Nigerian Entrepreneurs

In a bid to support Nigeria’s next generation of impact-driven entrepreneurs, Bankable Wisdom, in collaboration with the Western Union Foundation and American Corner Lekki, hosted the highly anticipated 2025 Venture Grants Bootcamp on February 4th.

Held at American Corner in Lekki, Lagos, the intensive four-hour bootcamp attracted 55 early-stage founders selected from over 220 online applicants. The program was specifically tailored to empower entrepreneurs with practical tools for accessing grants, fellowships, and funding opportunities crucial to scaling their businesses.

More than half of the participants were founders working to support refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other underserved communities across Nigeria. According to the organizers, the bootcamp created an essential knowledge-sharing platform to enhance the chances of securing financial support and expanding social impact.

The training featured sessions on writing compelling grant proposals, navigating compliance requirements, and identifying key funding opportunities before the end of 2025. Facilitators included Precious Azuonwu, Founder of Bankable Wisdom and Western Union Foundation Fellow, and Fidelis Amaonyeze, alumnus of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, who led a session on effective business planning and financial strategies.

Speaking at the event, Azuonwu reflected on the journey that inspired the initiative. “Access to funding shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for a few,” he said. “When I launched Bankable Wisdom in 2020, I often wished for a session like this—something practical, transparent, and empowering. Today, it feels incredibly fulfilling to help create that opportunity for others.”

Since the bootcamp ended, three participants have already secured the $5,000 Tony Elumelu Foundation Grant for 2025, with many others actively pursuing additional opportunities using the resources and network gained from the event.

“The response and results we’re seeing prove that when we equip founders with the right tools and information, they can achieve extraordinary things,” Azuonwu added.

Bankable Wisdom, known for driving digital and entrepreneurial development among African youth, thanked its partners and reiterated plans to scale the initiative. The organization aims to roll out more support programs across Nigeria and beyond, ensuring that African entrepreneurs, especially those working at the grassroots, are not left behind.

“We are determined to expand this program in the coming months through strategic partnerships, mentorship, and ongoing training,” Azuonwu stated. “Our vision is to ensure that entrepreneurs across the continent have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.”

Entrepreneurs and stakeholders are encouraged to stay connected with Bankable Wisdom for updates on upcoming opportunities aimed at fostering innovation, resilience, and economic empowerment.