The Fashion Advancement and Startup Training (F.A.S.T) Accelerator, a joint initiative by FashionEVO Programs and 360Creative Innovation Hub, has officially concluded its inaugural cohort with a Pitch & Graduation Ceremony at the British Council, Lagos.
Delivered as a 100 percent fully funded, zero-cost program for selected founders, the accelerator provided emerging fashion entrepreneurs with high-impact training, strategic business tools, and core operational skills to build competitive, sustainable brands.
Throughout the program, participants completed intensive physical and virtual sessions covering brand positioning, financial literacy, storytelling, marketing, business pitching, and strategic expansion.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Yetty Ogunnubi, Founder & CEO of FashionEVO and YD Company and Mrs Blessing Ebere Achu, Founder & MD of 360Creative Innovation Hub,
“F.A.S.T was created from the understanding that talent alone is not enough to build a sustainable fashion business,” stated Dr Yetty Ogunnubi.
“We wanted to create a platform where emerging fashion entrepreneurs could strengthen their business knowledge, understand their markets, develop practical strategies, and gain the confidence to take their businesses to the next level. This first cohort is the beginning of a long journey of growth and impact.”
Blessing Ebere Achu also highlighted the importance of creativity and collaboration in driving the success of the F.A.S.T cohort, while expressing appreciation to the facilitators, judges, British Council and participants for their contributions and encouraging the graduates to make the most of the opportunity ahead.
Chilufya Besa, Deputy Country Director at the British Council, commended the graduates and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the creative economy: “Today is about recognising your commitment, creativity, and hard work, but more importantly, it is about celebrating what comes next.”
A central highlight was the F.A.S.T Pitch Competition, where 10 finalists presented their business models, market opportunities, and growth plans.
The competition entries were evaluated by a distinguished panel of creative economy leaders and business experts: Amabelle Nwakanma – Director of Programmes and Partnerships, LEAP Africa; Remi Ademiju – Founder, Grow Enterprise Africa; Sola Babatunde – Managing Director, OSC Group; and Onodugo Ikechukwu – Arts Project Officer, British Council
Pitch Competition Winners: 1st Place: Moses Agosu (MAK) – Awarded a N500,000 cash prize from FashionEVO, strategic business consultation, brand visibility, and a showcase slot at the upcoming FashionEVO Lagos; 2nd Place: Elizabeth Funmilayo Aweda (Fúmi) – Awarded business consultation, brand visibility, and inclusion in future FashionEVO retail and showcase initiatives; and in 3rd Place: Kusoro Samson (Kush Atelier) – Awarded business consultation, brand visibility, and showcasing opportunities. All top three winners additionally received British Council gift packages and a three-month onboarding opportunity with the Idozi Collective Retail Store.
The event concluded with a certification ceremony for the entire cohort and a Business Showcase, enabling founders to present their collections directly to facilitators, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners.
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