Stanbic IBTC Bank has solidified its commitment to advancing women’s entrepreneurship by partnering with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to offer female entrepreneurs the opportunity to benefit from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women online course. This collaboration, announced during the Valentine season, emphasizes the bank’s dedication to supporting women in business and fostering their growth across Africa.
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program is a powerful initiative aimed at providing women with the skills, education, and networks necessary to thrive as business leaders. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers financial literacy, strategic planning, marketing strategies, and leadership development, all taught by top business educators from renowned institutions. In addition, the program offers mentorship and networking opportunities with influential industry leaders, creating a rich ecosystem for women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and connect with fellow innovators.
Stanbic IBTC Bank’s decision to partner with IFC to provide this invaluable resource aligns with its larger mission to empower women and celebrate their resilience in the face of unique challenges. Despite their potential, many women entrepreneurs face hurdles such as limited access to business acumen, mentorship, and financial opportunities. This partnership aims to bridge these gaps, offering not only education but also a platform that connects participants to essential resources, creating a solid foundation for their businesses to grow and succeed.
Olajumoke Bello, Head of Enterprise Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, highlighted the importance of this partnership in her statement: “Supporting women in business is not just a necessity, but also a celebration of their determination and resilience. Our collaboration with IFC and the creation of the Blue Blossom community aim to provide women with networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to financial offerings that help them build thriving businesses.”
Blue Blossom, a key initiative by Stanbic IBTC Bank, further strengthens the bank’s commitment by offering a space where women can engage with each other, exchange ideas, and access discounted financial services to promote business growth. Through this community and the partnership with Goldman Sachs, Stanbic IBTC Bank ensures that women receive continuous support, enabling them to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative has impacted over 200,000 women globally, contributing to the economic empowerment of women across various regions. The program’s success lies in its hands-on, practical approach to education, which not only imparts essential business skills but also equips participants with the confidence to lead and innovate in their industries.
Stanbic IBTC Bank’s leadership in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was recognized once again in the 2024 KPMG survey, where the bank was ranked number one in SME banking for the second consecutive year. This partnership with IFC further underscores the bank’s ongoing efforts to nurture entrepreneurship and create a sustainable environment for business growth in Africa, especially among women.
