csrreporters 
Access Bank has launched the 7th season of its Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton programme to help women start, grow, and sustain their businesses independently.
Designed for female entrepreneurs across Africa, the initiative provides practical tools such as business training, financial grants, and international certification all aimed at helping women move from side hustles to sustainable enterprises.
Since 2019, the Pitch-A-Ton has supported hundreds of women with hands-on business education, including a Mini-MBA certified by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), while awarding over $175,000 in business grants to top participants.
This year, 120 selected women will receive entrepreneurial training, with 10 finalists sharing a ₦17.5 million grant pool to scale their businesses.
At the launch event in Lagos, Access Bank’s Group Head of Product and Segment, Iheme Chizoba, said the programme is a deliberate effort to “invest in women who are ready to build lasting businesses.”
She added that the initiative was created not just to support existing enterprises, but to equip women with the knowledge, funding, and confidence to take ownership of their economic future.
Project Manager Oyeyipo Ifeoluwa explained that many women have great ideas but lack the financial access or training to turn them into viable ventures. “This programme fills that gap, she said. “We give them a structure, skills, and seed capital to take their businesses to the next level.”
Open to women aged 18-55 who run registered businesses at least one year old, the programme is sector agnostic welcoming entrepreneurs from all industries.
Access Bank also provides post programme support by tracking alumni progress and offering mentorship to improve long term business sustainability.
The W-Initiative’s Group Head, Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, emphasized that the impact goes beyond money. The Mini-MBA alone transforms how women run their businesses. It helps them build systems, make smarter decisions, and scale with confidence.
Encouraging women to apply before the October 3, 2025 deadline, she added, It’s more than a pitch. It’s an opportunity to create the future you want on your own terms.