Today, when investors evaluate startups, they look far beyond passion. In a landscape shaped by data, discipline, and long-term viability, what matters most is a founder’s ability to demonstrate a clear business strategy, financial foresight, and operational readiness. While some of these capabilities can be self-taught, clarity of purpose remains essential to finding the right solutions. Hence, why comprehensive entrepreneurial training is no longer optional but foundational, enabling founders to sharpen their narratives, structure compelling pitches, and engage with investors on more than just vision.
Yet, despite the rising global interest in inclusive investing, the entrepreneurial ecosystem remains unequal, hindering the ability to scale. Her Startup, a pioneering accelerator program jointly led by eha Impact Ventures, KSH Foundation, and Tomorrow Foundation, is helping change that. Through a mix of training, financing, and mentorship, the program is building stronger businesses and a more equitable future for female entrepreneurship.
The inspiration for Her Startup stems from a recognition of the “proven track record of women-led businesses driving economic development and social impact,” says Khalil Halilu, Founder, KSH Foundation. Launched with a focus on Africa, the program addresses the gender gap in entrepreneurship by offering holistic support.
Her Startup’s three-phase model is designed for sustainable success. The first phase, delivered through the Founder Institute’s 14–16-week accelerator, provides world-class entrepreneurial training. Participants learn to refine their business models, strengthen financial management, and develop scalable systems. “Founders often cite lack of funding as their biggest challenge,” notes Augustina Okpechi, Communications Lead, KSH Foundation. “But without knowing how to manage and multiply funds, funding alone isn’t enough.” This training ensures founders are prepared to make strategic decisions before receiving financing.
In the second phase, Her Startup provides $5,000 in convertible-based financing, bookended by training as the starting point and mentorship as a closer to ensure effective use. The final phase connects founders with industry experts who offer targeted guidance, and a structured mentorship framework, complete with goal trackers and journaling, fosters accountability for measurable progress. Additional support, such as co-working spaces, healthcare plans, and mental health sessions, underscores the program’s holistic approach.
Her Startup’s impact is already evident in its early success stories. One standout is Nigerian founder, Olapeju Nwanganga, CEO and Founder of Ploutos Page, whose transformative moment came during a mentorship session where she shared the challenges of scaling her bookkeeping platform. Guided to think beyond traditional methods, she conceptualized and implemented a two-layer bookkeeping software system. This innovation automated key processes, eliminated dependence on WhatsApp groups, and enabled the platform to manage thousands of customers seamlessly. More than a technical upgrade, it provided Olapeju with a scalable roadmap. Such outcomes highlight Her Startup’s ability to create a lasting impact for female-led ventures.
Funding remains a significant barrier for female entrepreneurs globally. Her Startup is well-positioned to respond, offering an alternative to traditional venture capital through its convertible-based financing and its partnership with the Founder Institute. With chapters in over 100 countries, Founder Institute’s global network further amplifies beneficiaries’ access to funding opportunities, mentors, and investors. Participants gain lifetime access to post-program support and opportunities to pitch to venture capitalists, addressing the critical challenge of network access.
Her Startup prioritizes diversity and impact. The program seeks founders with innovative, scalable businesses. While the first cohort included founders from Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, Her Startup aims to expand its pan-African reach. “We received over 200 applications from 18 African countries,” says Maggie Gu, President, Tomorrow Foundation. “As we scale, we plan to strengthen outreach to ensure future cohorts reflect the continent’s entrepreneurial talent.”
Mentorship is a cornerstone of Her Startup’s model. By identifying each founder’s specific needs, the program pairs founders with experts to provide tailored guidance. “We developed a structured framework to guide the mentorship process,” explains Augustina, emphasizing tools like goal trackers and reference materials. This ensures mentors are equipped to support founders effectively, from navigating operational challenges to preparing for investor meetings.
Her Startup measures success through both quantitative and qualitative metrics, including revenue growth, customer acquisition, and follow-on funding, as well as a self-assurance to navigate the entrepreneurial space. A core priority of Her Startup is ensuring participants build the confidence and resilience to scale and make the journey less daunting.
Looking ahead, Her Startup envisions a transformative role in female entrepreneurship. “Our vision is to create a lasting ecosystem that nurtures and scales female-founded businesses across Africa,” says Evelyn Castle, Co-founder, eha Impact Ventures. By expanding into new regions, increasing funding opportunities, and fostering a network of alumni mentors, Her Startup aims to drive systemic change over the next decade. The program also balances immediate support with long-term goals, recognizing that diverse programs—some offering quick capital, others building capacity—are essential to reshaping the funding landscape.
For female entrepreneurs facing skepticism, Ngozi Nwabueze, Founder of PocketLawyers.io and beneficiary of Her Startup program, offers this timeless advice: “Fail forward, build your tribe, and outsource tasks where necessary. Entrepreneurship is a marathon.”
