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LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a landmark move to formalize the informal sector and bridge the gender-economic gap, Under30limited, in strategic partnership with the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN) Nigeria, has officially unveiled “The Business Run” (Under30Women in Business).
The 21-week acceleration program, which is 100% virtual, aims to transition 200 high-potential female-led SMEs from informal ventures into institutionally vetted, bankable, and export-ready enterprises regardless of their geographic location.
A Directorate-Level Vision
Leading the charge is Maxwell Njarika, Director of Strategic Partnership and Social Enterprise for CYPAN Nigeria and a Director at Under30limited.
“We aren’t just teaching business; we are manufacturing bankability,” says Njarika. “Through our ‘Master of Business Street’ (MBS) framework, we are ensuring that whether a woman is a tech founder or a traditional trader, she leaves this program with the digital infrastructure and compliance required to compete in global trade corridors.”
The initiative receives high-level institutional backing from Peter Folajimi Buraimoh, the CYPAN Nigeria Country Representative, who emphasizes the program’s role in national economic stability through targeted women’s empowerment.
An Elite Board of Global Mentors
The program’s strength lies in its heavy-weight mentorship board, featuring industry leaders across trade, technology, and international development:
Efe Usin (President, Women in Export and Trade Investment – WETI): A powerhouse in the export sector, Usin will guide mentees on navigating international trade laws and standardizing products for global markets.
Jacquelyn Ekwueme (Microsoft): Bringing global tech expertise, Ekwueme is overseeing the Digital Transformation module, focusing on AI and cloud infrastructure for SME efficiency.
Amb. Dammy (Interweave Solutions, USA): Representing the international partnership with Interweave Solutions, Amb. Dammy brings a proven “MBS” (Masters of Business Street) curriculum used globally to move entrepreneurs from poverty to prosperity.
Kasandra Ikpea-Annan & Sarah Kalu: These executive mentors bring deep expertise in corporate governance and strategic leadership, guiding the founders through the operational shift from “Employee of Self” to “Global Boss.”
Technical Grants & Institutional VettingB
eyond mentorship, the program features a structured Technical Growth Fund. Following a rigorous 21-week vetting process, elite graduates will qualify for seed grants to scale their operations. By utilizing advanced digital verification tools and integrating participants into a formalized financial ecosystem, “The Business Run” is setting a new standard for SME interventions in West Africa.
How to Apply
Applications are officially open to female founders across Nigeria. Interested applicants can apply directly through the official platform at www.thebusinessrun.com.
As a 100% virtual program, “Under30Limited” ensures that talent from every corner of the country has equal access to world-class mentorship and institutional support.
