Call for Applications: Women in Digital Business Training Program Organized by AM-Steve House, ITC/ILO, and Microsoft Philanthropies
Are you a woman entrepreneur or aspiring entrepreneur ready to thrive in the digital economy? The Women in Digital Business (WIDB) Training Program is here to equip you with essential skills, tools, and strategies to digitally transform your business for success.
This fully-funded program, brought to you by AM-Steve House in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ITC/ILO) and Microsoft philanthropies, now have a series of five pilots of which the recruitment for the 4th pilot is currently underway. It is expected that all the pilots will be concluded by the end of 2025.
Read More:
- Apply for the 2025 Giga Accelerator Programme by UNICEF (Up to $50k)
- Get Up to N150 Million in Funding: Apply for the Lagos Agrithon 2025 For Agripreneurs & Innovators
- INNOVATE 360 SUMMIT 2025: Global Summit on Technology & Sustainable Futures in Nairobi, Kenya (Fully Funded)
- Youth Challenge Fund 4 (YCF4) Grant 2025 – €7,000 in Funding for Girl- & Youth-Led Groups in West & Central Africa
- Nigeria FG shuts down 22 illegal tertiary institutions: What Does This Mean for Students (6 Implications)
When is the Application Deadline:
📅 September 19, 2025 (deadline for the 4th pilot cohort).
Tell Me About the Program:
The Women in Digital Business (WiDB) Training of Entrepreneurs (ToE) is a fully funded initiative by AM-Steve House, in partnership with ITCILO and Microsoft Philanthropies. The program empowers African women entrepreneurs in non-tech MSMEs to thrive in the digital economy through digital skills, business development, and formalization support.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Entrepreneurship, Business Development, and Digital Transformation for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Type:
Grant-supported Training Program (digital skills, business development, and formalization support).
Who Can Apply?
- Women aged 18–60 years.
- Residents of any of the 55 African countries.
- Aspiring or existing entrepreneurs with a business idea or enterprise.
- Preference for non-tech MSMEs.
- Must have access to internet-enabled devices and be fluent in English.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on eligibility, business potential, and commitment to complete the training. Top performers gain access to investment readiness support and capital opportunities.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌍 All 55 African countries.
Where will the Program be Taken?
Delivered online, accessible from any African country.
How Many Awards?
50,000 women to be trained across Africa in 3 years (starting with 500 in the pilot phase).
What is the Benefit of the Program?
✅ Fully funded training in digital skills & business growth strategies.
✅ One-on-one coaching.
✅ Financial support for business formalization (registration, compliance, branding).
✅ Access to investment readiness training and potential funding opportunities.
✅ Networking with a continent-wide community of women entrepreneurs.
How Long Will the Program Last?
Each training cohort runs for 12 weeks within the three-year phased rollout.
How to Apply:
Applications are online via the AM-Steve House platform.
👉 Apply Here