Access Bank Unveils Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton 2025 With N17.5 Million in Grants

Access Bank has officially launched the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton 2025 programme, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower female entrepreneurs across Africa with the funding, training, and resources they need to grow and scale their businesses.

Applications for the 2025 edition opened on Friday, September 19, 2025, and will close on Friday, October 3, 2025. Interested women business owners are encouraged to apply before the deadline for a chance to secure funding and world-class business training.

Empowering Women Through Business Growth

Speaking at the launch event in Lagos, Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Group Head of Women Banking at Access Bank, highlighted the transformational impact of the programme since its inception in 2019.

“This year’s edition is bigger and better, offering women entrepreneurs the opportunity to scale their businesses, gain visibility, and connect with like-minded business leaders across Africa,” she said.

Kunle-Ogunlusi noted that the 2025 edition will feature an intensive Mini-MBA programme delivered in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Participants will receive advanced business training, practical tools, and growth strategies to help them build sustainable enterprises.

N17.5 Million in Grants and Other Benefits

This year’s competition will award over N17.5 million in business grants to outstanding participants. In addition to the grand prizes, finalists will receive consolation rewards, mentorship opportunities, and access to support services aimed at strengthening their brands and operations.

Project Manager Oyeyipo Ifeoluwa revealed that since 2019, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton initiative has trained over 878 women entrepreneurs and disbursed grants exceeding $175,000. “This programme is more than a competition—it is a holistic journey that transforms women-led businesses and drives economic growth across Africa,” she explained.

Eligibility and How to Apply

The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton 2025 is open to female entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:

• The business must be registered and in operation for at least one year.
• Women must own at least 50% equity in the business.

Eligible applicants can register through the official application link before the October 3, 2025 deadline to participate in this life-changing opportunity.

Access Bank continues to position itself as a leading supporter of female entrepreneurship by providing access to finance, training, and a platform for growth, helping women across Africa turn their business ideas into thriving enterprises.