Bridging the Digital Divide For Female Fashion Entrepreneurs
Imagine the impact of more women having affordable access to digital tools and skills: children fed, families clothed, and communities empowered.
The Offline-to-Online (O2O) Pathway is open!
The O2O Pathway supports tailors & fashion designers in Calabar, Nigeria, to expand their businesses digitally!
WHAT WE DO
Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI) empowers female fashion business owners in Nigeria with the technology and skills they need to thrive in the digital economy.
Our accessible solutions, built on WhatsApp, provide affordable access to digitally enabled services and promote digital literacy and inclusion.
WHY WE DO IT
A staggering 40% of Nigerian small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) operate in the fashion industry (per Kippa MSME Report), with many led by talented and ambitious women. Despite their contributions, these women entrepreneurs face a significant wage and opportunity gap.We believe digital connectivity and literacy are tools for bridging this gap. By equipping women with the skills to navigate the digital world, we open doors to new opportunities, wider markets, and increased efficiency.Ultimately, empowering women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry is not just about social justice—it is a sound economic strategy. A World Bank study estimates that closing the gender gap in Africa could add $1.5 trillion to the continent's GDP by 2030. By supporting women in fashion, UFDI fosters economic growth, innovation, and job creation across Nigeria—and the continent.
WHO WE DO IT FOR
We support female fashion entrepreneurs in Nigeria, particularly those in underserved communities, who face barriers to utilizing digital technologies for their businesses. Our solutions equip them to:
Grow their businesses: Leverage digital tools to expand their reach, attract new customers, and increase sales.
Improve their livelihoods: Gain financial independence and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Become role models: Inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs to embrace technology and achieve their dreams.
HOW WE DO IT
We leverage WhatsApp, a familiar and widely used platform in Nigeria, to provide low-cost digital education and financial management.
We match vetted fashion business owners seeking funding with generous supporters who want to fuel their growth. We call this support an "Uforo Boost!"
WHERE WE DO IT
UFDI's digital delivery removes geographical barriers, enabling us to reach women entrepreneurs throughout Nigeria.However, through our O2O Pathway, we specifically support tailors in Calabar, Nigeria.
HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT
Are you a female fashion business owner interested in growing your business with digital tools? Discover how we can support you.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
Are you passionate about women's empowerment or the African fashion industry? Partner with UFDI!
UFORO means PROSPERITY
Stay updated on our journey to bridge the digital divide and drive prosperity for female fashion entrepreneurs in Nigeria!
© Uforo. All rights reserved.
The Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI)
Contact: [email protected]
Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Welcome to our community
We're thrilled to have you on board as we support passionate fashion entrepreneur's journey to success. Thank you for believing in the power of entrepreneurship!
Our Privacy Policy
Effective Date: June 2024Welcome to ufdi.org. Your privacy is very important to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit our website and use our services.Information We Collect
a. Personal Information: When you use our website, we may collect the following personal information:
i) Name
ii) Phone number
iii) Email addressb. Non-Personal Information: We may also collect non-personal information such as:
i) Browser type and version
ii) Operating system
iii) IP address
iv) Referring websiteHow We Use Your Information: We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
a. To communicate with you regarding your submissions.
b. To improve our website and services.
c. To send you promotional emails and updates (you can opt-out at any time).
d. To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support.Sharing Your Information: We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to outside parties except:
a. When we have your consent to share the information.
b. To comply with legal requirements, such as a law, regulation, search warrant, subpoena, or court order.
c. With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and conducting our business, provided they agree to keep this information confidential.Data Security: We implement a variety of security measures to protect your personal information. These measures include:
a. Encryption of sensitive information.
b. Regular malware scans and security updates.
c. Restricted access to personal information.Cookies: Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small files that a site or its service provider transfers to your computer's hard drive through your web browser (if you allow) that enables the site's or service provider's systems to recognize your browser and capture and remember certain information.Third-Party Links: Our website may contain links to third-party websites. These third-party sites have separate and independent privacy policies. We have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites.Children's Privacy: Our website is not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have inadvertently received personal information from a user under the age of 18, we will delete such information from our records.Your Consent: By using our website, you consent to our Privacy Policy.Changes to Our Privacy Policy: We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.Contact Us: If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +234 707 132 1944
Address: 2b Bassey Eteta Ita Lane, Calabar, Cross River, NigeriaYour Rights: Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
a. The right to access: You have the right to request copies of your personal data.
b. The right to rectification: You have the right to request that we correct any information you believe is inaccurate or complete information you believe is incomplete.
c. The right to erasure: You have the right to request that we erase your personal data, under certain conditions.
d. The right to restrict processing: You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal data, under certain conditions.
e. The right to object to processing: You have the right to object to our processing of your personal data, under certain conditions.
f. The right to data portability: You have the right to request that we transfer the data that we have collected to another organization, or directly to you, under certain conditions.To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the contact information provided above.This privacy policy ensures that visitors understand how their personal information is collected, used, and protected on your website.
Our Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: June 2024Please read these Terms and Conditions ("Terms", "Terms and Conditions") carefully before using ufdi.org (the "Service") operated by Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI) ("us", "we", or "our").Agreement to Terms: By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of the terms, then you may not access the Service.Intellectual Property: The Service and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI) and are protected by international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws.User Submissions: By submitting content (including but not limited to photographs, name, phone number, email) to the Service, you grant Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI) a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display, and perform the content in connection with the Service.Personal Information: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when submitting personal information to the Service. We will handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.Prohibited Uses: You may not use the Service for any illegal or unauthorized purpose. You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.Third-Party Links: The Service may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI). We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. You further acknowledge and agree that Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI) shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods, or services available on or through any such websites or services.Termination: We may terminate or suspend access to our Service immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if you breach the Terms.Governing Law: These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.Changes: We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material, we will try to provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at our sole discretion.Contact Us: If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +234 707 132 1944
Address: 2b Bassey Eteta Ita Lane, Calabar, Cross River, NigeriaBy using our Service, you agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our Service.
OUR PROGRAMS
At UFDI, we provide hands-on support to the most promising fashion business owners.We've observed that digital literacy alone isn't enough, nor is digital access by itself. Combining both is essential to achieve the desired results quickly. Our programs are designed to do just that.We offer two programs to help two categories of business owners leverage technology to grow their businesses.
THE OFFLINE-TO-ONLINE (O2O) PATHWAY
The O2O Pathway helps tailors and fashion designers limited to offline sales and marketing channels to grow their businesses by leveraging online channels, specifically WhatsApp.
THE FASHION FUNDING PREP (FFP) FELLOWSHIP
The FFP Fellowship helps fashion entrepreneurs who are doing something unique or approaching something common in a unique way to bridge the funding gap and grow their businesses.
UFORO means PROSPERITY
© Uforo. All rights reserved.
The Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI)
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Contact: [email protected]
Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
The Offline-To-online (O2O) Pathway
Our O2O Pathway supports female African tailors and fashion designers, with offline channels, committed to expanding their businesses using digital tools.
Our program equips these entrepreneurs with the education, digital tools, and community to fuel their business growth.
About the Program
Why it was created: Talented tailors and fashion designers struggle to expand their businesses online due to limited resources and skills. We're introducing them to WhatsApp as a user-friendly and cost-effective solution to establish an online presence.
Who it is for: The program is designed for tailors and fashion designers with good quality work and an existing clientele.
Where it is held: The program is delivered through Uforo's WhatsApp interface, supplemented with in-person coaching for personalized guidance.
When it is held: The program follows a quarterly cohort structure, where participants progress through the curriculum together.
Program Components
Our program adapts the BRAC Graduation approach, focusing on four key pillars to equip participants for long-term success. While traditional BRAC programs address basic needs and income security, the O2O Pathway adapts these principles to support existing tailors living on less than $2/day.
SOCIAL PROTECTION
LIVELIHOODS PROMOTION
FINANCIAL INCLUSION
SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT
Social Protection
We address income security indirectly, through digital business education and data allowances.Equipping for Future Earnings: The program equips participants with the skills and knowledge to grow their online channels using WhatsApp.
Data Allowances as a Bridge: We provide a small initial data allowance to bridge the digital divide and allow participants to fully engage with the online learning materials and practice their WhatsApp business skills.
LIVELIHOODS PROMOTION
Livelihoods promotion equips participants with the tools and skills to thrive online
Targeted Asset Transfer:
Depending on needs identified during the baseline assessment, the program may provide smartphones or essential equipment upgrades to bridge the digital divide and enhance business capabilities.
(Financial sustainability considerations apply)
Skills Training & Technology Integration:
The program equips participants with the technical skills needed to thrive online. Our modules include lessons on:
WhatsApp marketing
WhatsApp customer service
Ready-to-wear business fundamentals
Basic financial literacy plus access to Uforo's bookkeeping chatbot.
FINANCIAL INCLUSION
Financial inclusion ensures that every beneficiary can access the financial tools and education necessary for sustainable business growth:
Financial Literacy and Management: Beneficiaries acquire essential skills for effective financial management, including budgeting, understanding profit margins, and pricing strategies.Bookkeeping Technology: Beneficiaries gain access to a bookkeeping chatbot that helps them manage their business finances via simple text messages.Access to Microfinance: By maintaining good financial records, beneficiaries can showcase their business viability to microfinance institutions, enabling them to secure loans for equipment, inventory, or marketing efforts.
SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT
The program fosters community through monthly check-ins, in-person coaching, life skills training, and dedicated WhatsApp groups for ongoing support, offering a safe space for learning, sharing experiences, and solving challenges.
The Offline-To-online (O2O) Pathway
Making female Nigerian tailors and fashion designers more prosperous!
UFORO means PROSPERITY
© Uforo. All rights reserved.
The Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI)
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Contact: [email protected]
Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
The Fashion Funding Prep (FFP) Fellowship
Our FFP fellowship supports female African fashion entrepreneurs with innovative business models, committed to growing their businesses using digital tools.
Our program equips these entrepreneurs with the education, digital tools, and funding connections to fuel their business growth.
meet some of our fellows
The fellowship components
This intensive fellowship is a three-week program that offers:
SPECIALIZED EDUCATION
BOOKKEEPING TECHNOLOGY
PERSONALIZED SUPPORT
EDUCATION: UFORO'S FUNDING PREP (FFP) PROGRAM
The first component of the FFP Fellowship is an eight-lesson FFP program designed to train fashion entrepreneurs to prepare for and receive funding to grow their businesses.
Why it was created: Access to funding is often a barrier for fashion entrepreneurs. The program was created to increase the success rate of funding applications by equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to present compelling business cases to investors and lenders.
Who it is for: The program is designed for ambitious and committed fashion business owners looking to take their businesses to the next level.
Where it is held: The program is delivered on Uforo's WhatsApp interface.
When it holds: The program is delivered quarterly on a cohort basis.
How it works: The program comprises lessons across research, business narrative, personal narrative, numbers, and presentation.
Technology: WHATSAPP BOOKKEEPING
The second component of the fellowship is access to Uforo's WhatsApp chatbot.
The Fellows get one month of access to the bookkeeping chatbot which helps them manage their business finances with simple text messages.
SUPPORT: SESSIONS & GROUP
The third component of the fellowship is access to personalized support.
Sessions
Fellows receive personalized sessions to apply their learnings:
Two Q & A group sessions
One individual mentorship session
Support Group
They are also added to a support group where they can assist one another and receive support throughout the fellowship.
Additional support
Outside of the specialized education, technology access, and personalized support, the fellowship provides additional support for business owners:
Application guidance for listing on our funding platform to find investors
Discounted upgrades on Uforo's training and bookkeeping chatbot
Lifetime access to funding community
HEAR FROM OUR PAST FELLOWS
The Fashion Funding Prep (FFP) Fellowship
Making female Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs more prosperous!
UFORO means PROSPERITY
© Uforo. All rights reserved.
The Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI)
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Contact: [email protected]
Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
APPLY TO A PROGRAM
We're excited to invite you to join our community of talented and hardworking business owners!
Our programs are designed for female African fashion entrepreneurs committed to growing their businesses using digital tools.
Our programs provide the knowledge, support, and resources you need to take your fashion business to the next level.
THE OFFLINE-TO-ONLINE (O2O) PATHWAY
The O2O Pathway helps tailors and fashion designers limited to offline sales and marketing channels grow their businesses by leveraging online channels, specifically WhatsApp.
THE FASHION FUNDING PREP (FFP) FELLOWSHIP
The FFP Fellowship helps fashion entrepreneurs who are doing something unique or approaching something common in a unique way to bridge the funding gap and grow their businesses.
WHO CAN APPLY?
We are looking for you if you meet all of these criteria:
Female entrepreneur (18-35 years)
Running a full-time fashion business (clothes, shoes, bags, etc.)
Current monthly revenue under N250k
Interested in using digital tools for business growth
HOW TO APPLY
Our application process is simple:1. Complete the application form: Share your story and vision for your business.
2. Interview stage: We'll invite shortlisted applicants for a 20-minute interview.
3. Selection and notification: We'll notify all applicants and welcome successful beneficiaries to the program.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our programs prepare you to accelerate your business growth.
We expect fellows to dedicate 8-10 hours weekly to participate in workshops, learning modules, and complete tasks.
Your commitment sets you apart and positions you for the desired results.
INTERESTED IN A PROGRAM?
Subscribe to receive updates on our programs, including application deadlines, valuable tips, and any program changes.
© Uforo. All rights reserved.
The Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI)
Contact: [email protected]
Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS
We're excited to invite you to support our talented and hardworking business owners!
Our beneficiaries are female African fashion entrepreneurs committed to growing their businesses using digital tools.
You can contribute to their success in three ways: fund a beneficiary(s), fund a cohort or fund a business.
FUND A BENEFICIARY(s)
Sponsor one or more business owners for our FFP Fellowship or O2O Pathway programs. You can support with a one-time or monthly donation of any amount.Your contribution will support the next intake, and you will receive monthly progress reports on your sponsored beneficiary(s) for three months.
FUND A COHORT
Sponsor a quarterly program cohort:
FFP Fellowship: (10 fellows) for NGN375K/USD$250.
O2O Pathway: (20 beneficiaries) for NGN3m/USD$2000.
The cohort will be named after you or your organization in recognition of your contribution unless otherwise requested.
FUND A BUSINESS
Provide verified businesses with financial support for their specific business needs, ranging from N150k/USD $150 to N3m/USD $2,000.We call this support an Uforo Boost :)You will receive monthly progress reports on your boosted business for 6 months (and even longer if you'd like!).
UFORO means PROSPERITY
Stay updated on our journey to bridge the digital divide and drive prosperity for female fashion entrepreneurs in Nigeria!
© Uforo. All rights reserved.
The Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI)
Contact: [email protected]
Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Become a partner
Does your organization prioritize economic mobility, women's empowerment, digital inclusion, and education?We can design a partnership that aligns with your organization's values, initiatives, and target population/demographics.Let's talk :)