Wema Bank, Assembly Hub collaborate on creative class

Sara by Wema and Assembly Hub have worked together on their business accelerator program, “The Creative Class,” which aims to empower and upskill aspiring business owners in Africa’s thriving fashion sector.

According to a statement from Wema Bank, the rigorous 4-week accelerator program was created to give emerging and established entrepreneurs, aged 21 to 35, access to critical business support, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities.

Tunde Mabawonku, Executive Director of Retail and Digital Wema Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting female businesses.

He said, “At Wema Bank, we understand that women’s entrepreneurship is the lifeline for economic growth. This commitment is evident through initiatives like SARA, aligned with our mission to empower young entrepreneurs.

“The Creative Class” is set to transform the fashion landscape by nurturing fresh talent and scaling up innovative ideas. The programme boasts an array of comprehensive masterclasses taught by industry experts, hands-on business modelling workshops, and intensive pitch readiness training.”

It suggested that entrepreneurs participating in “The Creative Class” will have the chance to compete for a sizable reward.

According to the announcement, a total of N2.5m in cash grant awards (N500,000 each for the top five finalists) would be given out to help the winning firms expand faster.

“This programme will be both physical and virtual. While physical classes will be held at Purple Academy in Ilupeju, the virtual component ensures accessibility and flexibility for participants.

“The Creative Class welcomes creative minds from various niches, including fashion, textile, accessories, jewellery, fashtech, home goods, and the creative arts.”

For the “Fashion ENTR_” program, participation was open to Small and Medium-Sized Businesses and Entrepreneurs who had been in business for 0 to 11 months, and for more than 12 months for the “Fashion NXT_” road.