Access Bank has rolled out the 2025 Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton, its flagship empowerment initiative designed to accelerate the growth of women-owned businesses across the continent.
The new season, which opened for entries on September 19 and runs until October 3, 2025, promises more than just prize money. It blends business training, mentorship, and networking into a package that aims to build resilient enterprises capable of scaling beyond local markets.
At the launch event in Lagos, Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Group Head of Women Banking at Access Bank, said the initiative continues to evolve. “Since 2019, we have supported hundreds of women with funding, coaching, and visibility. This year’s programme goes further, giving participants a platform to sharpen their skills, connect with innovators, and showcase businesses that can transform communities,” she explained.
A standout feature of this year’s edition is a Mini-MBA programme delivered in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), providing entrepreneurs with world-class business education tailored to African realities.
In addition to training, Access Bank has earmarked ₦17.5 million in grants for the most promising ventures, while all finalists will gain access to support services and consolation packages to reinforce their operations.
Project Manager Oyeyipo Ifeoluwa noted that the programme’s ripple effect extends far beyond winners. “We’ve trained nearly 900 women and disbursed over $175,000 in grants since launch. Each cohort proves that when women have the right tools, they not only grow their businesses but also strengthen Africa’s economic fabric,” she said.
Applications are open to women entrepreneurs who own at least 50% equity in businesses that have been operational for a minimum of one year.
With its mix of funding, mentorship, and capacity-building, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton continues to position itself as more than a competition—it is becoming a continental movement for women-led business growth.
