Launched in 2019, the Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton program offered by the bank’s initiative is the first women-in-business support initiative of its kind in the industry.
The program in its maiden edition provided a free mini-MBA certification to 50 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria as well as financial grants worth N9Million to the top 3 applicants in conjunction with the International Finance Corporation (IFC, a member of the World Bank Group). Subsequently, the program was extended to 10 other African countries where Access Bank’s W initiative has its presence. The program has since awarded the Mini-MBA training to 645 women entrepreneurs and provided over $175,000 in grants across Africa.
This year (2024) hosts the 6th season of the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton in Nigeria and seeks to provide mini-MBA certification to another 120 women entrepreneurs as well as grants worth over N17.5 million Naira.
The program includes an 8-week mini-MBA training and pitching sessions before a Pan-African Jury panel. Top finalists will pitch their business ideas, integrating insights from their training for a chance to win financial grants.
Requirements
Applicants must fit the following criteria:
- Applicants must be between 18 and 55 years old.
- You must own at least 50% of the business
- The business must have been operational for at least one year.
Prizes and Benefits
Participants in the Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton program will receive:
- Mini-MBA Certification: An exclusive, certified mini-MBA program in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
- Grant Prizes: Financial grants and other consolation prizes.
- Business Coaching: Comprehensive business coaching to empower women entrepreneurs.
Application Procedure
Are you a woman who owns 51% or more of a business? Is your business registered with the CAC and has been running for at least a year? Is your business innovative? Do you need a grant to expand your business?
If you meet these criteria, visit Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton registration to apply.
All online applications will be reviewed by independent business experts. 500 candidates will be required to submit a 60-second video pitch for a chance to be selected among the final 120 candidates.
Application Deadline: August 9th, 2024