FirstBank Launches Spark A Gem Challenge for Women

FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution, launched the Spark A Gem Challenge, a flagship Women-Preneur Pitch-a-Ton programme under its FirstGem proposition, aimed at empowering women-owned businesses. The initiative attracted 356 applications from various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare.

After a rigorous selection process, eight finalists participated in a four-day training and capacity-building programme, culminating in a Pitch Day. Onyinye Obayi, the founder of Honeypot Confections Ltd, emerged as the grand prize winner, receiving five million naira.

The first and second runners-up received three million and two million naira, respectively, totaling ten million naira in grants. The programme also integrated the wider pool of applicants into the FirstGem ecosystem for future banking relationships and support.

Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive of e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, stated that the initiative recognizes the critical role of women entrepreneurs in economic growth and community development, aiming to equip them with essential business capabilities and foster sustainable banking relationships.