Access Bank Unveils Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Season 7

Access Bank has launched the seventh season of its Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton programme, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs across Africa.

This initiative offers invaluable resources such as business coaching, mini-MBA certification, and financial grants to support the growth of women-owned businesses.

Since its inception in 2019, the program has positively impacted the lives of many women.

Over 645 participants received mini-MBA certifications, and more than $175,000 in grants were awarded to women-led enterprises. This year’s application period opened on September 16, 2025, and will conclude on October 3, 2025.

The program aims to enhance financial inclusion, foster entrepreneurship, and promote holistic well-being among women through targeted initiatives.

Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday in Lagos, Iheme Chizoba, group head of Product and Segment at Access Bank, stated that the initiative, in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), was designed to drive grassroots empowerment and serve as a way of giving back to society.

She said, “Investing in women’s growth means investing in the future of our communities. When we empower women, we empower nations.”

The project manager of the Pitch-A-Ton initiative, Oyeyipo Ifeoluwa, shared that “this year’s edition will provide training for 120 participants through an IFC-certified Mini-MBA program. The top 10 finalists will be awarded a total of N17.5 million in grants.

“To date, we have trained approximately 878 women and have disbursed grants totalling about $175,000.”

She added that “to qualify, applicants must be female entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 55, operating registered businesses that have existed for at least one year. Candidates must show that they have been actively engaged in business, which Access Bank aims to support for continued growth.”

Initially launched in Nigeria, the program has expanded to several other African countries where the bank operates, enhancing its regional impact.

The group head of the W-Initiative, Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi highlighted that the initiative is inclusive, not limited to specific sectors, and offers benefits that extend beyond financial assistance.

“The IFC-certified Mini-MBA qualification is a significant asset that adds substantial value to participants,” she expressed.

Access Bank stated that to ensure long-term success, it monitors alumni progress for at least six months post-program, helping to guarantee business sustainability.

Kunle-Ogunlusi encouraged women to apply, stating, “Seize the opportunity! There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain when you take a chance.”