Access Bank has officially opened applications for Season 8 of its flagship Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton initiative. The program, managed under the bank’s W Initiative, provides female-led enterprises with structured capacity building alongside direct financial injection. Interested entrepreneurs must submit their applications before the September 29, 2026 deadline. The initiative aims to support female founders across Nigeria.
Season 8 will select 120 women-owned businesses to participate in an intensive, fully sponsored Mini-MBA program. The curriculum focuses on operational leadership, financial strategy, and business scaling, addressing structural knowledge gaps that frequently hinder early-stage enterprises. This program is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to grow their businesses.
In addition to executive training, top finalists will receive non-dilutive equity grants and media exposure. Participants also gain direct entry into Access Bank’s continental network of alumni, connecting domestic founders with broader African market opportunities. This network provides a platform for entrepreneurs to access new markets and resources.
To qualify for the first selection phase, applicants must satisfy specific operational benchmarks. The business must have operated for at least one year with a valid corporate registration. Female founders must maintain at least 50 percent ownership and be between the ages of 18 and 55. These criteria ensure that the program supports established and promising businesses.
Furthermore, applicants must hold an active individual or business account with Access Bank. Screening proceeds in stages, advancing qualified applicants from written submissions to live pitching sessions before a panel of enterprise advisors. This rigorous selection process ensures that the most promising businesses are selected for the program.
Female entrepreneurs can submit their entries directly through the official Access Bank W Initiative portal before the September 29 cutoff. The program has been running since 2019, initially serving domestic enterprises before expanding into a broader pan-African platform across Access Bank’s operating markets. This expansion has increased the program's reach and impact.
The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton initiative has become a significant platform for supporting female entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond. By providing access to education, funding, and networks, the program aims to empower women-led businesses to succeed in the competitive African market. Applications are now open, and interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply.
Key points
- Access Bank's Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton initiative supports female-led enterprises with structured capacity building and direct financial injection.
- The program provides a fully funded Mini-MBA certification to 120 selected female entrepreneurs.
- Applications for Season 8 close on September 29, 2026.
