The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Program was established to support women entrepreneurs through business training, financial assistance, leadership development and access to professional networks.
In its first edition, the programme provided 50 Nigerian women entrepreneurs with free Mini-MBA certification and awarded ₦18 million in grants to the top five beneficiaries. It was implemented in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.
ollowing its expansion to other African countries where Access Bank’s W Initiative operates, more than 300 women entrepreneurs across Africa have benefited from the Mini-MBA programme.
The 2026 edition will select 120 Nigerian women entrepreneurs for a fully sponsored Mini-MBA programme, while selected finalists will also have the opportunity to receive business grants.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a woman entrepreneur between 18 and 55 years old.
- Own at least 50% of the business.
- Have a registered business that has been operating for more than one year.
- Have an Access Bank individual or business account.
- Complete and submit the online application form.
Benefits
The programme offers selected women entrepreneurs opportunities to strengthen their business operations, develop leadership skills, access funding and build valuable professional connections.The 120 selected participants will receive a fully sponsored Mini-MBA, designed to:
- Strengthen business management and leadership skills.
- Improve business performance.
- Develop entrepreneurial capacity.
- Provide access to valuable business networks.
- Prepare businesses for sustainable growth.
Finalists will also have opportunities for business visibility, networking and participation in a growing community of women entrepreneurs.
Business Grants
- Selected beneficiaries will receive grants as follows:First beneficiary: ₦7 million
- Second beneficiary: ₦5 million
- Third beneficiary: ₦3 million
- Fourth beneficiary: ₦2 million
- Fifth beneficiary: ₦1 million
Additional grants will be awarded to 15 beneficiaries:
- Small business financeFive beneficiaries will receive ₦500,000 each.
- Ten beneficiaries will receive ₦250,000 each.
Application Process
Stage 1: Join the W Community
Interested applicants should join the Access Bank W Community through the official programme portal to begin the application process.
Stage 2: Complete the Online Application
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Applicants are required to provide accurate personal and business information, describe their businesses, answer all required questions, and review and submit the application form.
Successful applicants will be contacted via email.
Stage 3: Submit a 60-Second Business Pitch
Shortlisted applicants will be required to submit a one-minute video pitch explaining their businesses. The video must:
- Clearly explain the business.
- Have clear audio.
- Be recorded using a phone or video camera.
- Be no larger than 50MB.
Applicants should upload the video through the application portal after completing the required steps.
Stage 4: Mini-MBA Selection
The top 120 applicants will be contacted via email and invited to participate in the fully sponsored Mini-MBA programme.
Apply here
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and outcomes are not guaranteed.
