Access Bank Plc has opened applications for the eighth season of its Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton programme, which will admit 120 women entrepreneurs for business training and financial support beginning in November 2026. The programme is delivered in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Three-Week Mini-MBA for Selected Participants
Selected participants will undergo a three-week curriculum structured as a mini-MBA, covering practical business skills, financial management, and strategies for building sustainable enterprises. The programme is designed to equip women with the tools needed to grow their businesses and access formal credit.
Head of Women Banking at Access Bank, Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, said the programme has grown considerably since its first edition. She noted that more than 1,141 women from 10 African countries had completed the first seven seasons, with graduates collectively receiving grants worth over $200,000, according to ThisDay reports.
Alumni Success and Programme Impact
Kunle-Ogunlusi added that the programme's alumni had recorded strong results in external competitions, including winning the Nigeria MSME Awards in back-to-back years. One graduate also secured a $100,000 prize at a separate business competition.
Group Head, Consumer Banking at Access Bank, Chizobar Iheme, said the programme addresses a gap that basic financial inclusion does not close. She said bringing women into the banking system is only the starting point.
"Financial inclusion is more than just integrating women into the banking system; it's about empowering them with the skills necessary to thrive at every stage of their journey," Iheme said.
Addressing Business Failure and Credit Readiness
She cited the high rate of business failure within the first five years as a key reason the bank focused on building stronger business structures and financial discipline among participants. The training is also meant to help women meet the requirements for formal credit.
"We want to ensure that when women apply for loans, they meet all necessary qualifications and are fully prepared to succeed," she added.
New Enhancements and Additional Financial Support
Acting Group Head, Marketing and Retail Analytics at Access Bank, Oge Kasie-Nwachukwu, said the bank has introduced new improvements to the programme this season. The Sun reports that beyond the top grant, 19 additional participants will also receive financial support.
"With these changes, we anticipate improved performance for participating businesses. In addition to the top grant, 19 other beneficiaries will also receive financial support," Kasie-Nwachukwu said.
The eighth season of Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton will combine business education with direct funding as Access Bank works to strengthen women-owned businesses across the continent.
