…Offers N100m in grants and mini-MBA scholarships
By Opeyemi Abdulsalam
Access Bank has opened applications for its Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton programme, aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs.
This year’s programme will award 120 winners with business grants and a certified mini-MBA programme worth over N100 million, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The application period starts on June 24, 2024, and ends on August 9, 2024.
Successful applicants will undergo a three-month programme, including an eight-week mini-MBA training session, to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to grow their businesses.
Participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their businesses in pitching sessions to a prestigious Pan-African jury. The top finalists will present their business ideas, incorporating the knowledge gained from the mini-MBA program, and stand a chance to win financial grants and other consolation prizes.
At the launch of Womenprenuer Pitch-a-Ton Season 6 in Lagos, Group Head, Women Banking, Access Bank, Abiodun Olubitan said, “Some years back we conducted a survey on why female owned startup businesses fail within the first five years of existence and we found out that it was due to a knowledge gap which needed to be bridged by providing resources to these women to help their businesses thrive.”
She noted that this birthed the Womenpreneur Program, one of the largest business growth platforms for women in Africa, explaining that the programme is a female focused campaign that seeks to provide quality trainings to business owners through an IFC certified mini-MBA as well as grants to select winners
Olubitan said the main objective is to help women with the requisite knowledge to grow their businesses.
“The program has been running for the past five years, this is the sixth year. From previous seasons, we have received impressive and positive testimonials from participants about how the program and the training have helped them improve their businesses.”
The Access Bank official announced that the program has produced 645 mini-MBA winners across six geo-political zones in Nigeria as well as 10 other African countries; 65 winners have received over $175,000 in grant prizes as well as 40 other consolation prizes from 2019 to 2023.
“The impact has been enormous and has exposed participating businesses to new and international clientele and markets. Some participants have had opportunities to launch their businesses in the international market.
“The women have learnt useful skills such as business marketing, management and digital prowess which they have applied to their businesses to experience the growth recorded,” she added.
Entering its sixth season, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton program is designed to support female entrepreneurs who have been running their businesses for at least one year, have at least 50 percent ownership or controlling rights, and fall within the age range of 18 to 55 years. To be part of this exciting journey, please log on to www.womenpreneur.ng to fill your application.