Wema Bank has partnered with Assembly Hub to launch “The Creative Class”, a fashion business accelerator programme aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs in Africa’s fashion industry.
The 4-week intensive programme will provide crucial business support, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities for emerging and established fashion entrepreneurs aged 21–35.
According to Wema Bank’s Executive Director of Retail and Digital, Tunde Mabawonku, the programme aligns with Wema’s mission to support women’s entrepreneurship and young founders in the fashion space.
Participants will take part in comprehensive masterclasses by industry experts, hands-on business modelling workshops, and pitch training. The top 5 finalists will receive N500,000 in cash grants totalling N2.5 million to accelerate their startups’ growth.
The hybrid programme will include both in-person classes at Purple Academy in Ilupeju as well as virtual components for accessibility. It welcomes creators in fashion, textiles, accessories, jewellery, fashtech, home goods, and creative arts.
SMEs and entrepreneurs who have been operating for 0–11 months can apply for the “Fashion ENTR_” track, while those operating for 12+ months can apply for the “Fashion NXT_” track.
The programme aims to transform the African fashion industry by nurturing fresh talent and scaling innovative fashion startups. Young African creatives are encouraged to apply.