The CANs Park has launched applications for the first cohort of PHER, a programme designed to support women-led micro businesses in Abuja. PHER is implemented under the Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Nigeria programme, carried out by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The programme aims to bridge the gap in digital adoption and financial systems faced by women-run micro enterprises.
Women play a significant role in Nigeria's small businesses, but many struggle to grow beyond their first two years due to limited digital adoption and weak financial systems. PHER addresses this gap by pairing expert advice with practical digital skills. The programme will support 40 women-led micro businesses across two cohorts in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Lugbe.
Over the course of the programme, participants will receive ten one-on-one advisory sessions per business, with five sessions focused on business operations and five on finance. They will also participate in a hands-on digitalisation workshop and receive digital business tools, support with business registration, and brand identity support.
The programme is designed to cater to the specific needs of women-led micro businesses. According to Ashley Best, Project Manager of PHER at The CANs Park, "Women in Abuja's markets have already done the hardest part: they have built businesses that serve their communities." PHER aims to provide the right digital tools, sound financial habits, and expert advice to support business growth.
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must be women aged 18 to 35 who own and run a micro business in AMAC or Lugbe. The business should operate in beauty and cosmetics, catering, consumer products, or fashion, and have been in operation for between one and two years. Applicants must also have a smartphone, basic digital skills, and a business page on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp.
The application process involves completing an online application form and submitting a short business plan of no more than two pages. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and close on Friday, 11 October 2026, at 11:59 pm WAT. The CANs Park assures applicants that they will not be asked for payment at any stage of the process.
The CANs Park was established in 2019 as an innovation support organisation in Abuja, serving startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs through collaborative workspaces, business incubation, technology solutions, consulting, and community-driven support. PHER builds on earlier women-focused work by The CANs Park, including Women CAN and FEM-Money.
Key points
- The programme is free of charge and offers a peer support network that continues after the programme ends.
- Applications close on Friday, 11 October 2026, at 11:59 pm WAT.
- The programme is designed to support women-led micro businesses in Abuja with digital adoption and stronger business and financial practices.
