Ten female entrepreneurs have today been announced as the winners of, Technology startup, 618 Bees’ NaijaWomanHero competition.

618 Bees asked young female entrepreneurs to identify iconic ladies they find influential and inspiring and over 400 female Nigerian entrepreneurs across the country took to social media eulogizing some iconic Nigerian women.

Heroes, like Stella Adadevoh, Dora Akunyili, Funmilayo Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, were widely celebrated in the month-long campaign reaching 1,545,764 people. It wasn’t a shock to see that even 5 of the former big brother housemates joined the trend, praising their own female entrepreneurs or idols and encouraging their followers to do same.

20 contestants were shortlisted from the over 400 entries and votes were cast to select 10 winners; Anyantola Elizabeth, Ifeoma Udeaja, Jennifer ifeoma, Nasa Judith, Millicent Anugwom, Abina Zainab, Wasolati Sani, Odo Stephanie, Okoyeocha Olivia Ginikanwa and Emmanuella Giwa.

The 10 winners will each receive about N250,000 worth of business incorporation support, investment pitch opportunities, business trainings, mentorship, and legal advice.

618 Bees co-founder, Efe Ugboro says her dream is to help female entrepreneurs succeed; by helping them structure their businesses to attract investments, and become sustainable.

According to Efe, “618Bees.com is set up to be the quickest way to get a company started in Nigeria. The company is launching with a focus on Nigeria for now, but plans to open up to other African cities where aspiring entrepreneurs are facing similar challenges”.

The convener of the project, Ugboro is UK-trained Nigerian lawyer is decided to help Nigerian businesses escape the frustrations of incorporation, operations, filing, and taxation.

“It’s difficult to register a business, difficult to understand all the issues around filing, taxation, and so much more. And most young businesses find themselves crumbling under the frustrations. There are many who just wing it until the realise that they’re in a mess”, she said.

Hence, her decision to dedicate her career to “helping businesses grow”.