Become a WiDB Certified Trainer: Empower Women, Transform Business
Join the Women in Digital Business (WiDB) ToT Program at AM-Steve House and be part of a continent-wide movement equipping women entrepreneurs with the digital and business skills to thrive in the new economy.
The WiDB ToT Program at AM-Steve House is a pioneering initiative delivered in partnership with ITCILO and Microsoft Philanthropies to empower African women entrepreneurs. The program equips trainers with cutting-edge digital and entrepreneurial skills to support women-led businesses in their journey toward formalization, resilience, and growth.
Over three years, WiDB will reach 50,000 women entrepreneurs across diverse sectors, with this ToT serving as the catalyst for building a robust network of certified facilitators who will scale the impact to local communities.
☰
Women in Digital Business (WiDB) at AM-Steve House Program
Empowering African Women Entrepreneurs for a Digital Future
Welcome to the Women in Digital Business (WiDB) Program, a pioneering initiative by AM-Steve House, in partnership with the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC/ILO) and Microsoft Philanthropies. This program is designed to empower African women entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital economy by providing the tools, training, and support needed for sustainable business growth and formalization.
The Opportunity
Digital transformation has revolutionized the way businesses operate, creating unprecedented opportunities for women entrepreneurs. From building an online presence to optimizing operations with innovative technologies, the potential is limitless. Yet, many entrepreneurs face challenges in adopting these advancements effectively. The WiDB program addresses these challenges, offering a holistic approach to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and resources to harness the power of digital technologies and formalize their businesses.
Program Partners
We collaborate with several leading organizations to bring this program to life.
About the Program
The WiDB program combines foundational training, optional learning paths, and advanced formalization support to equip participants with the skills and resources needed to thrive in today’s digital-first world. We aim to train over 50,000 women entrepreneurs in Africa with a focus on non-tech MSMEs.
Foundational training on digital skills, including building an online presence and selling online.
Internationally recognized ILO SIYB courses to enhance business planning and execution.
Formalization support to transition businesses into fully compliant enterprises.
Priority selection for women entrepreneurs from partnerships.
Program Details
1. Foundations Program on Digital Skills
Participants will develop foundational skills essential for digital entrepreneurship, including:
Why Digitalize: Understand the importance of digital transformation for business success.
Building an Online Presence: Learn strategies for establishing an online presence via social media, websites, or messaging platforms.
Selling Online: Discover how to leverage e-commerce platforms effectively.
Adapting Business Processes: Learn how to integrate digital tools for order management, payment processing, and delivery systems.
By the end of this phase, participants will create a personalized Digitalization Action Plan tailored to their business needs.
2. Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Training
The globally recognized SIYB Program by the ILO complements the WiDB initiative, offering three modules:
Generate Your Business Idea (GYB): A course helping aspiring entrepreneurs identify and evaluate potential business ideas.
Start Your Business (SYB): A course including intensive workshops for developing a business plan and testing entrepreneurial skills.
Improve Your Business (IYB): A training program focusing on marketing, record-keeping, planning, and productivity to enhance business performance.
3. Formalization Course
In the final phase, participants receive tailored support to transition into formal, fully compliant businesses.
Key Features
Business Registration Support:
Funding for business registration fees (e.g., incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria for unregistered businesses).
Assistance with opening bank accounts, tax registration, and other relevant formalities.
Regulatory Compliance:
Advisory services for sector-specific compliance (e.g., NAFDAC registration, SCUML for Nigerian entrepreneurs).
Branding and Marketing Support:
Development of websites, company profiles, and product brochures.
Guidance on customer relationship management, sales strategies, and service delivery.
Follow-On Support for Outstanding Participants: Investment readiness training and fundraising support. Access to capital calls and tailored growth strategies based on business needs.
Program Structure
Program Tracks
Pilot Track: Launching December 16, 2024
Regular Track: Ongoing with rolling admission after feedback
Program Overview
The WiDB Program is structured into three progressive phases to meet the needs of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs:
Foundations Program on Digital Skills:Develop a robust understanding of digital tools and strategies to position your business in the digital economy.
SIYB Training Modules: Tailored training to help you generate business ideas, start your business, or improve and scale your enterprise.
Formalization Course: Receive personalized support to formalize your business, ensuring long-term growth and compliance.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
Be a woman aged 18–60.
Reside in one of the 55 African countries.
Be an aspiring or existing entrepreneur with a business idea or operational enterprise.
Preference will be given to women leading non-tech MSMEs.
Become a WiDB Certified Trainer: Empower Women, Transform Business
Join the Women in Digital Business (WiDB) ToT Program at AM-Steve House and be part of a continent-wide movement equipping women entrepreneurs with the digital and business skills to thrive in the new economy.
The WiDB ToT Program at AM-Steve House is a pioneering initiative delivered in partnership with ITCILO and Microsoft Philanthropies to empower African women entrepreneurs. The program equips trainers with cutting-edge digital and entrepreneurial skills to support women-led businesses in their journey toward formalization, resilience, and growth. Over three years, WiDB will reach 50,000 women entrepreneurs across diverse sectors, with this ToT serving as the catalyst for building a robust network of certified facilitators who will scale the impact to local communities.
If you are working with women entrepreneurs and are interested in partnering with us, please reach out to support and grow this initiative. Together, we can empower more African women entrepreneurs.
Organizations, associations, and individuals supporting women entrepreneurs are welcome to partner with us.
