Terra Academy for the Arts has concluded a three-day empowerment programme in Lagos aimed at helping young women in the creative industry build sustainable and well-structured businesses.
The event, held under the Women Entrepreneurs Development Programme, brought together female alumni of the academy for intensive training on enterprise growth, funding access, and personal development.
TAFTA Academy Lead, Joseph Umoibom, urged participants to take charge of their lives and remain resilient in the face of challenges.
He reminded them that setbacks are an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey but also opportunities for personal and business growth. He said that life’s obstacles should not discourage them, but rather strengthen their resolve to pursue success. He commended the academy’s founder for creating a platform that empowers women to thrive in the creative economy.
The Sponsorship, Grants, and Partnership Manager, Juliet Ibahiyi, advised young women entrepreneurs to be more deliberate about seeking funding and partnerships. She observed that many small business owners are unaware of the support opportunities available to them and often miss out on grants and collaborations that could help scale their ventures.
The session, she explained, was designed to bridge that gap by teaching participants how to research opportunities, craft strong proposals, and align their business goals with those of potential partners and funders.
highlighted the importance of persistence, noting that access to funding requires strategic preparation and follow-up. She also pointed out that technology, including artificial intelligence tools, can assist in preparing funding applications but should always be reviewed to ensure alignment with the entrepreneur’s goals. She encouraged the women to be bold, proactive, and visible by attending industry events, sharing their stories, and connecting with potential collaborators.
Enterprise Development Manager, David Agboto, described the initiative as part of TAFTA’s mission to help young creatives transition from informal business practices to structured, sustainable enterprises. He said many small business owners struggle with clarity, planning, and proper business models, and the training was designed to help them address these gaps.
Agboto noted that feedback from participants showed a deeper understanding of their business potential and areas for improvement. He added that TAFTA would continue to support the women through mentorship and post-training engagement.
He encouraged participants to believe in their abilities and take inspiration from the academy’s founder, who has built a thriving brand in the creative industry. He said the young women should see themselves as capable of breaking barriers and achieving success regardless of their background or circumstances.
Through this initiative, TAFTA reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing women-led enterprises in the creative sector, equipping them with practical knowledge, funding strategies, and entrepreneurial confidence to drive inclusive growth across Africa’s creative economy.
