F.A.S.T Accelerator, the Fashion Advancement and Startup Training initiative jointly organised by FashionEVO Programs and 360Creative Innovation Hub, has officially concluded its inaugural cohort with a pitch and graduation ceremony at the British Council, Lagos. Delivered as a 100% 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 and sustainable brands.
Throughout the program, participants completed intensive physical and virtual sessions covering key areas of fashion entrepreneurship. As well as brand positioning, financial literacy, storytelling, marketing, business pitching, and strategic expansion. The training was designed to help founders strengthen their business knowledge while developing practical strategies for long-term growth.
Opening Remarks at the F.A.S.T. Graduation Ceremony
The ceremony opened with remarks from Dr Yetty Ogunnubi, Founder and CEO of FashionEVO and YD Company, and Mrs. Blessing Ebere Achu, Founder and Managing Director 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.”
Mrs. Blessing Ebere Achu also highlighted the importance of creativity and collaboration in driving the success of the cohort. She expressed appreciation to the facilitators, judges, British Council, and participants for their contributions. Also, she encouraged the graduates to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
Chilufya Besa, Deputy Country Director at the British Council, commended the graduates and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative economy.
“Today is about recognising your commitment, creativity, and hard work, but more importantly, it is about celebrating what comes next,” she said.
F.A.S.T Pitch Competition Showcases Emerging Fashion Brands
A central highlight of the ceremony was the F.A.S.T Pitch Competition, where 10 finalists presented their business models, market opportunities, and growth plans. The presentation was made to a distinguished panel of creative economy leaders and business experts.
The competition was evaluated by:
Amabelle Nwakanma, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at LEAP Africa
Remi Ademiju, Founder of Grow Enterprise Africa;
Sola Babatunde, Managing Director of OSC Group; and
Onodugo Ikechukwu, Arts Project Officer at the British Council.
Pitch Competition Winners
The competition recognised three outstanding founders whose presentations demonstrated strong business potential and clear growth strategies.
1st Place: Moses Agosu (MAK)
Moses Agosu of MAK emerged as the first-place winner and received a ₦500,000 cash prize from FashionEVO, strategic business consultation, brand visibility, and a showcase slot at the upcoming FashionEVO Lagos.
2nd Place: Elizabeth Funmilayo Aweda (Fúmi)
Elizabeth Funmilayo Aweda of Fúmi emerged as the second-place winner. Her prize included business consultation, brand visibility, and inclusion in future FashionEVO retail and showcase initiatives.
3rd Place: Kusoro Samson (Kush Atelier)
Kusoro Samson of Kush Atelier secured third place, receiving business consultation, brand visibility, and showcasing opportunities.
All three winners also received British Council gift packages and a three-month onboarding opportunity with the Idozi Collective Retail Store.
Certification and Business Showcase
The event concluded with a certification ceremony, marking the founders’ successful completion of the training program.
The ceremony also featured a business showcase, allowing founders to present their collections to industry leaders and partners.
The inaugural cohort represents an important step in supporting emerging fashion entrepreneurs with the knowledge, practical skills, networks, and confidence needed to build sustainable businesses within Nigeria’s growing fashion and creative economy.
About F.A.S.T Accelerator
The Fashion Advancement and Startup Training (F.A.S.T) Accelerator is a joint initiative of FashionEVO Programs and 360Creative Innovation Hub designed to equip emerging fashion entrepreneurs with structured learning, practical tools, and industry expertise required for long-term business growth.
About FashionEVO Programs
FashionEVO Programs is FashionEVO’s learning arm, providing training and professional development for the fashion industry.
About 360 Creative Innovation Hub
360 Creative Innovation Hub is a Nigerian fashion co-sewing and business acceleration hub supporting African designers. By bridging gaps in production infrastructure, market access, and business structure.
