NEM Insurance Plc has officially launched the third edition of its flagship gender-focused initiative, the She Means Business contest, reinforcing its commitment to women’s economic empowerment and inclusive entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The insurance company disclosed that the annual competition commenced on 16 February 2026 and will run until 28 February 2026, providing a platform for female entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and access financial support. According to a report by The PUNCH, the She Means Business initiative is specifically designed to support women-owned enterprises and strengthen their capacity for growth and sustainability.
Speaking on the programme, the General Manager of Corporate Services at NEM Insurance Plc, Mrs. Mojisola Teluwo, described the contest as a strategic extension of the company’s broader mission to promote entrepreneurship and deepen financial inclusion among women across the country. She explained that the initiative goes beyond corporate responsibility, reflecting the insurer’s long-term vision of building stronger communities through economic participation and opportunity creation.
For the 2026 edition, three exceptional female entrepreneurs will be selected to receive cash grants of ₦250,000 each, aimed at helping them expand and scale their business operations. According to Teluwo, the grants are intended to serve as catalysts for growth, enabling beneficiaries to invest in production, marketing, technology, and other critical aspects of business development.
She further noted that the competition is a deliberate response to the urgent need for grassroots economic empowerment, especially in communities where women often face structural barriers to finance, business training, and market access. By providing direct financial support and visibility, the initiative seeks to bridge these gaps and unlock the economic potential of women-led enterprises.
“At NEM Insurance, our mission extends beyond providing world-class insurance products; we are deeply invested in the growth of the communities we serve,” Teluwo stated. “The She Means Business contest, now in its third phase, is our practical way of inspiring inclusion. We recognise the pivotal role women play in the economy, and we are proud to provide this ₦250,000 financial catalyst to help three visionary women turn their business aspirations into reality.”
As part of efforts to encourage innovation, creativity, and digital engagement, the insurer has introduced a simple and accessible entry process. Interested participants are required to create a one-minute video and share it on social media, clearly outlining the specific actions they plan to take to accelerate the growth of their businesses. This approach not only promotes digital literacy but also amplifies the visibility of women-owned businesses across online platforms.
Industry analysts have praised the initiative, noting that programmes such as She Means Business are helping to reshape public perception of the insurance industry. Rather than being seen solely as financial service providers, insurers are increasingly viewed as active contributors to social development, enterprise growth, and community empowerment.
Observers also believe that such interventions play a crucial role in strengthening Nigeria’s Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) sector, which remains a key driver of employment, innovation, and economic growth. By investing directly in female entrepreneurs, NEM Insurance Plc continues to position itself as a corporate institution committed not only to profit, but also to sustainable development, inclusion, and long-term national progress.
