In a bold move to support women in business, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton program launched in 2019, marking a significant milestone in the industry.
This initiative, offered by Access Bank’s W Initiative, has become a trailblazer in providing essential resources for women entrepreneurs.
During its first year, the program granted a free mini-MBA certification to 50 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Additionally, the top three applicants received financial grants totaling N9 million.
This was achieved in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.
Encouraged by its success, the program expanded to 10 other African countries where Access Bank’s W Initiative operates.
Since its inception, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton program has awarded Mini-MBAs to over 300 women entrepreneurs across Africa.
Now in its 5th season, the program aims to certify another 120 women in Nigeria with mini-MBAs and distribute grants worth over N17 million Naira to women-owned small and medium enterprises (WSMEs).
The 2024 edition of the program for Nigeria will kick off on Monday, June 24th, and run until August 9th.
Participants can look forward to financial grants, a certified capacity-building program, and business coaching designed to empower and uplift women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, female entrepreneurs must have an existing business that’s been operational for at least one year, with at least 50% female ownership, and fall within the age range of 18-55 years.
Program Benefits
Participants will benefit from an exclusive Mini-MBA certification and grant prizes.
The three-month program includes 8 weeks of mini-MBA training, conducted in collaboration with the IFC.
Finalists will pitch their business ideas to a Pan-African Jury panel, incorporating insights gained from the mini-MBA training, for a chance to win financial grants and other consolation prizes.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online and will be reviewed by independent business experts.
From the applications, 500 candidates will be selected to submit a sixty-second video pitch.
The final top 120 candidates will be chosen from these submissions.
Important Dates
– Application Deadline: August 9th, 2024