How Fidelity Bank’s FundHer Programme Helped Akara Café Expand with Pavillon

Business growth often depends on recognising the right opportunity and having the financial capacity to pursue it. For Akara Café, the opportunity to develop Pavillon, a premium sub-brand, marked an important step in its growth journey. However, turning the idea into reality required careful planning, investment and access to financing that would support the expansion without putting unnecessary pressure on the existing business.

For us at Akara Café, the opportunity to create a premium sub-brand presented an exciting way to build on what we had already established while exploring a new expression of our brand.

However, we knew that expansion would require more than a good idea. It would demand financial resources, careful planning and the ability to manage new investment alongside our existing operational needs.

Like many growing businesses, we had to consider how to fund the new venture while preserving enough working capital to keep our day-to-day operations running smoothly.

That was where Fidelity Bank’s FundHer programme became particularly valuable to us.

Through FundHer, we were able to access financing at a critical point in our expansion journey. The funding provided additional capacity to cover some of the costs associated with developing our premium sub-brand, while allowing us to preserve part of our working capital for Akara Café’s ongoing operations.

For a growing business, that flexibility can make a meaningful difference.

Access to financing is not simply about receiving funds. It is also about having the financial flexibility to make strategic decisions, pursue opportunities and continue building without placing unnecessary pressure on existing operations.

Beyond the financing itself, our experience was strengthened by the support we received throughout the process. Our Account Manager, Ms. Racheal, was responsive, supportive and available whenever we needed guidance. Her assistance helped make the process easier and more seamless, which we particularly appreciated at a time when several aspects of the expansion required our attention.

Pavillon: A New Chapter for Akara Café

Today, Pavillon, the newest Akara Café branch in Abuja, represents an important new chapter for us.

As a premium expression of the Akara Café brand, Pavillon gives us an opportunity to take what we have built into a new space and explore additional possibilities for the business.

For us, opening Pavillon is about more than adding another location. It reflects our growth, ambition and willingness to explore new opportunities while building on the foundation we have established.

Moving from an idea to a physical space required planning, investment and commitment. Having access to financial support helped provide the capacity to take this important step.

More broadly, our experience highlights how access to financing can support business owners as they consider expansion and work towards their long-term goals.

The Importance of Financial Support for Business Growth

Looking back, I am reminded that business growth does not always happen in one dramatic leap. Often, it comes through a series of deliberate decisions, with each step creating room for the next.

Having access to appropriate financial support at the right time can help businesses pursue opportunities while managing their existing responsibilities.

We are grateful to Fidelity Bank for being part of this chapter of our journey through its FundHer programme and for supporting our ambition to grow, expand and explore new possibilities.

As we look ahead, our focus remains on continuing the Akara Café story, creating memorable experiences for our customers and exploring opportunities to build on what we have achieved so far.

Pavillon is one of those opportunities, and we look forward to the journey ahead.

By Martha Essienanwan E.