Member highlight: Oladele Balogun Launches Third Cohort of Project Advance to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

[L-R]Mr Oladele Balogun - Managing Director, Jade Ogbeh, Lucy Agwunobi, Oluranti Obi, Mrs Oladunni Oyinaka - Executive Director, Convener (Project Advance)

As part of its ongoing commitment to community development and women empowerment, Celebrations Cards and Gifts Limited has launched the third cohort of its flagship CSR initiative, Project Advance, a structured program designed to support female-owned SMEs through targeted training, business seminars, coaching, mentorship, and market access.

The first edition of Project Advance began in March 2023, and has since grown into a sustainable platform driving real impact across Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape. Now in its third cohort, the initiative continues to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to gender equality, decent work, and economic growth.

Through this initiative, Celebrations Cards and Gifts Limited aims to equip women

entrepreneurs with the practical tools, knowledge, and networks needed to build resilient businesses and become agents of change in their communities.

So far, Project Advance has:

• Empowered over 50 female entrepreneurs

• Helped 70+ small businesses scale

• Created 100+ jobs, directly and indirectly

• Achieved 85% participant-reported improvement in business sustainability

Participants have come from diverse sectors such as agriculture, food processing, fashion, catering, manufacturing, and wellness, enriching the program with cross-industry learning and collaboration.

Beyond its external impact, Project Advance has also strengthened the company’s own purpose, enhanced brand credibility, and deepened its engagement with the broader business ecosystem. It continues to foster a culture of mentorship, innovation, and business excellence.

Celebrations Cards and Gifts Limited remains steadfast in its mission to scale this initiative and drive long-term, sustainable change through business.