Access Bank has announced the launch of the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton 2025 programme, aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs across Africa with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to strengthen their businesses and promote economic growth.
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Applications open for 2025 edition
Applications for the 2025 edition opened on Friday, 19 September, and will close on Friday, 3 October 2025. The initiative, which began in 2019, continues to support women in business through training, mentorship, and access to funding.
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Building capacity through education and support
Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Group Head, Women Banking, said the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton has “empowered hundreds of women with business training, mentorship, and access to funding since its launch in 2019.” She added, “This year, the program is back and better, offering women entrepreneurs the opportunity to scale their businesses, gain visibility, and connect with like-minded trailblazers across the continent.”
According to her, selected participants will undergo an intensive Mini-MBA programme in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The training will equip them with essential tools to build sustainable enterprises. Over N17.5 million will be awarded in grants to the most outstanding businesses, while other finalists will receive consolation benefits and business support services.
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Expanding impact across Africa
Reiterating Nene’s comments, Oyeyipo Ifeoluwa, Project Manager, Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton, said, “We have trained 878 women and awarded grants of up to $175,000.00 since the launch of Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton in 2019.” She explained that the programme “is not just about competition; it is a holistic journey designed to transform women-led businesses and contribute to Africa’s economic development.”
The initiative is open to women whose businesses are registered, have operated for at least one year, and are at least 50 per cent owned by women.
