APPLY: SoMe Solutions unveils N20m project to fund women-led businesses

SoMe Solutions, a communications and brand growth company, has unveiled ‘the unicorn project’ — a N20 million initiative to find, fund, and scale a Nigerian women-led brand to mark its ninth anniversary.

In a statement, the company said that with less than 2 percent of venture capital funding going to female entrepreneurs, the project seeks to change the narrative by equipping one standout women-led business with N500,000 cash and a N20 million brand/PR package.

The second place will receive N350,000 cash, plus business support, and the third place will get N250,000 cash and mentorship.

Other benefits include strategic business support and mentorship, influencer partnerships and PR amplification, as well as visibility to scale across Africa.

Opportunity to apply closes on Thursday.

Elizabeth Osho, founder of SoMe Solutions, described the initiative as “a growth engine to transform potential into a household name,” not just a funding programme.

Bola Lawal, convener and chief executive officer (CEO) of Premia Business Network, said a great product needs access to capital and a powerful network.

“A great product needs more than just a voice, its needs a powerful network, access to capital and strategic mentorship,” she said.

According to the statement, the selection process for the project will begin with a call for applications, open to women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

From the pool of entries, 20 brands will be shortlisted for a brand and market evaluation.

The top five finalists will then pitch their businesses to the public in a live showcase, where audience votes will help determine the outcome.

Three winners will be selected, after which the organisers will roll out the full growth and scaling package to support their expansion.

“Prizes: 1st place (The Unicorn): N500k cash + N20M growth package; 2nd place: N350k cash + business support; 3rd place: N250k cash + mentorship,” the statement added.

SoMe Solutions said the long-term impact is to empower three women-led brands to scale across Africa, inspire over 10,000 female entrepreneurs nationwide, and boost the visibility and representation of women in business.

“This is about showing what’s possible when women have the tools, funding, and visibility to thrive,” the company said.

“To apply, follow @somesolutions on Instagram & TikTok or visit the SoMe Solutions website.”

The statement added that the unicorn project is supported by organisations including Get Up Inc., Brandit, Complete Sports, and Poshclick, whose commitment to women’s economic empowerment ensures that Nigerian female entrepreneurs get the funding, tools, and visibility they deserve.