In a bold move to empower female entrepreneurs across Africa, Access Bank Plc has announced the 2025 edition of its flagship Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton programme, a transformative initiative designed to uplift women-led businesses through substantial financial support, mentorship, and capacity-building opportunities. The programme, which has become a cornerstone of Access Bank’s commitment to gender equality and economic development, will offer over N17.5 million in grants to successful participants, alongside a robust package of business training, mentorship, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering sustainable growth and innovation among women entrepreneurs.
The application window for this year’s Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton opened on September 19, 2025, and will remain open until October 3, 2025, providing a limited but critical opportunity for eligible women entrepreneurs to apply. Since its inception in 2019, the programme has been a game-changer, empowering hundreds of women across the continent by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to scale their businesses and make a lasting impact in their communities. This year’s edition promises to build on that legacy, offering an even broader platform for women to showcase their entrepreneurial prowess and contribute to Africa’s economic landscape.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 edition, Nene Kunle Ogunlusi, Group Head of Women Banking at Access Bank, emphasized the programme’s mission to drive meaningful change for women in business. “Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton is more than just a competition; it’s a movement to empower women to scale their businesses, gain visibility, and connect with like-minded trailblazers across Africa,” Ogunlusi stated. She highlighted that the initiative is designed to address the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, such as limited access to funding, networks, and advanced business training. By providing a holistic support system, the programme aims to bridge these gaps and unlock the potential of women-led enterprises to drive economic growth and innovation.
A key highlight of the 2025 Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton is its intensive Mini-MBA programme, developed in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This tailored training component is designed to equip participants with critical business management skills, covering areas such as financial planning, marketing, strategy, and leadership. The Mini-MBA is structured to provide practical, actionable insights that participants can immediately apply to their businesses, enhancing their ability to compete in dynamic and competitive markets. Beyond the technical skills, the programme fosters a sense of community, enabling participants to forge valuable connections with mentors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs, which can open doors to new opportunities and partnerships.
Oyeyipo Ifeoluwa, Project Manager of Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton, provided further insight into the programme’s impact since its launch six years ago. “Since 2019, we have trained 878 women and disbursed grants totaling $175,000,” Ifeoluwa noted. “This initiative is not just about funding; it’s a holistic journey to transform women-led businesses and contribute to Africa’s economic development.” She emphasized that the programme’s comprehensive approach—combining financial support, education, and mentorship—has empowered participants to achieve significant milestones, from expanding their operations to gaining recognition in their industries. The ripple effect of these achievements, she added, extends beyond individual businesses to communities and economies at large, as women entrepreneurs create jobs, drive innovation, and inspire others.
To be eligible for the 2025 Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton, applicants must be women who own at least 50 percent of their businesses. Additionally, the businesses must be duly registered and have been operational for at least one year. These criteria ensure that the programme targets entrepreneurs with a demonstrated commitment to their ventures, while also allowing for a diverse pool of applicants from various sectors and regions across Africa. The application process is designed to be accessible, encouraging women from both urban and rural areas to participate and benefit from the opportunities provided.
The 2025 edition of Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton comes at a critical time when the role of women in driving economic progress is gaining increasing recognition. According to studies, women-owned businesses in Africa face significant barriers, including limited access to capital, markets, and professional networks. Programmes like Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton are essential in addressing these challenges, providing not only financial resources but also the knowledge and connections needed to thrive in competitive environments. By investing in women entrepreneurs, Access Bank is contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic economic ecosystem, where women can play a central role in shaping the future.
Participants in this year’s programme can expect a rigorous yet rewarding experience. The selection process will identify women with innovative ideas, strong business acumen, and a clear vision for growth. Those selected will not only compete for the substantial grant funding but also gain access to a network of mentors and industry leaders who can provide guidance and support long after the programme concludes. The networking opportunities offered through Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton are particularly valuable, as they enable participants to connect with peers, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations that can amplify their impact.
The impact of Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton extends beyond the immediate benefits to participants. By empowering women entrepreneurs, the programme contributes to broader societal goals, such as poverty reduction, job creation, and gender equality. Women-led businesses often reinvest their earnings into their families and communities, creating a multiplier effect that drives sustainable development. Access Bank’s commitment to this initiative reflects its broader mission to foster inclusive growth and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to gender equality and economic empowerment.
As the October 3, 2025, application deadline approaches, Access Bank is calling on eligible women entrepreneurs across Africa to seize this opportunity to take their businesses to new heights. The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton programme represents a powerful platform for women to not only access critical resources but also gain the confidence and skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced business environment. For many, participation in the programme could mark a turning point, enabling them to transform their ideas into thriving enterprises that contribute to Africa’s economic renaissance.
In conclusion, the 2025 Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton is a testament to Access Bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and fostering economic development across Africa. With over N17.5 million in grants, world-class training, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the programme is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of female entrepreneurs and the communities they serve. Aspiring participants are encouraged to act quickly, submit their applications, and join a growing movement of women who are redefining the future of business in Africa.
