Access Bank Opens Applications For Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Season 8, Targets 120 Women Entrepreneurs
Written By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade, Lagos
Access Bank Plc has opened applications for the eighth edition of its flagship Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton programme, offering women entrepreneurs across Nigeria the opportunity to access a fully sponsored Mini-MBA certification, business grants, and expanded networks.
The application window, which opened on September 7, 2026, will close on September 29, 2026.
The programme, a key initiative under Access Bank’s W Initiative, was launched in 2019 to empower women-owned businesses with the knowledge, networks, and funding needed to scale. It has since evolved into a pan-African platform supporting women-led enterprises across the continent.
What Season 8 Offers
For this edition, 120 exceptional women entrepreneurs in Nigeria will be selected to participate in an intensive, fully sponsored Mini-MBA programme designed to strengthen leadership capacity, improve business performance, and prepare participants for sustainable growth.
Beyond the training, finalists will gain: Business exposure and visibility, Access to valuable business networks, Eligibility for business grants, Membership in a growing community of women entrepreneurs shaping African business
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the programme, applicants must:
Have an Access Bank account (Individual or Business account)
Be a woman in business with a minimum of 50% ownership
Have a registered business
Be between the ages of 18 and 55
Have a business that has been operating for over one year
Complete and submit the application form
Application Process
The selection process follows three stages:
Submit Application – Complete and submit the online application form with business details before the September 29 deadline.
Upload Pitch — Shortlisted applicants submit a one-minute video pitch about their business, then join the Mini-MBA programme.
Get Selected — Applicants with qualifying business pitches are selected to advance to the next stage of the programme.
About the Programme
Since its launch in 2019, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton programme has grown into a pan-African initiative supporting women entrepreneurs and a key entrepreneurship programme under Access Bank’s W Initiative. It combines business education with access to grant funding, networking, and business exposure.
Over the years, the programme has equipped women entrepreneurs across Africa with practical business skills, strategic mentorship, and financial support to help strengthen their businesses and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply via the programme portal:
https://www.womenpreneur.thewcommunity.com/
For further enquiries, applicants can contact the support team:
Email: wcares@accessbankplc.com
Phone: 012712005-7, 01-2273005, 07003000000
What To Know About Access Bank’s W Initiative
The W Initiative is Access Bank’s flagship programme for women, designed to inspire, connect, and empower women of all walks of life through financial inclusion, capacity building, and targeted support for women-owned businesses.
Written By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
rotamedianews@gmail.com businessechomag@gmail.com
08082881578 – 08060575197
This special report is part of ROTAMediaNews’ ongoing coverage of SME development, financial inclusion, and subnational economic growth in Nigeria. Follow us for exclusive insights and in-depth analysis.
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