Startup Knowledge Development Foundation (SKDF) | Empowering Female Entrepreneurs

Empowering Africa's Next Generation of Female Founders

Building Brilliant

Women-Led Startups

Startup Knowledge Development Foundation (SKDF) equips women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, mentorship, and networks needed to build scalable businesses and sustainable ventures.

Join the Community

Partner With Us

490+

FEMALE FOUNDERS SUPPORTED

₦20m+

CAPITAL RAISED

STATES

Across NIGERIA

THE PROBLEM

The Gap We Are Solving

Across Africa, thousands of women start businesses every year. Yet, the majority remain small, underfunded, and unable to scale. The challenge is not lack of ambition.

It is lack of structured support, access to networks, and investment readiness.

Many existing programs focus on inspiration. Very few focus on building businesses that can survive, grow, and attract capital.

SKDF exists to bridge that gap.

OUR SOLUTION

Closing the gender gap in Africa's startup ecosystem

We believe that when women founders have access to the same knowledge, networks, and capital as their male peers, transformative companies emerge. SKDF exists to close that gap — one founder at a time.

"When women lead, communities thrive."

Our Story

OUR IMPACT

Building Stronger

Startup Ecosystems

SKDF works at the intersection of entrepreneurship, education, and community development. Our programs are designed to help female founders gain the tools, insights, and connections they need to succeed.

Through our initiatives, we aim to:

Support emerging female entrepreneurs

Strengthen startup leadership skills

Provide mentorship and business education

Create access to valuable networks and opportunities

OUR PROGRAMS

Built for every stage

EnableHer Accelerator

A 12-week intensive accelerator for early-stage female founders, with mentorship, curriculum, and demo day access.

Founder Workshops

Monthly deep-dive workshops on fundraising, GTM strategy, hiring, product development, and investor relations.

Mentorship Matching

Personalized pairing with vetted mentors from leading startups, VC firms, and Fortune 500 companies

Founders Forum

Quarterly in-person gatherings bringing together our founder community for collaboration and connection.

Pitch Readiness

Investor pitch coaching, deck reviews, and warm introductions for founders preparing to fundraise.

Ideation Bootcamp

A 4-week program for aspiring founders to validate ideas, find co-founders, and build initial MVPs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

Find answers to common questions about SKDF, our programs, events, and opportunities to get involved. If you need additional information, feel free to contact our team.

What is the Startup Knowledge Development Foundation (SKDF)?

Who can participate in SKDF programs?

What types of programs does SKDF offer?

What is the EnableHer Business Lunch & Learn?

How can I attend SKDF events?

How can I partner with SKDF?