Apply for Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton 2025 Program in Nigeria

Application Deadline: October 3, 2025

The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton 2025 is now open for applications, offering women entrepreneurs in Nigeria an exceptional opportunity to scale their businesses through expert training, mentorship, and financial support. Organized by Access Bank’s W Initiative, this flagship program combines mini-MBA certification with competitive business grants, making it one of the most impactful platforms for women-led enterprises in Africa.

About the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Program

Launched in 2019 in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton was designed to close the knowledge, funding, and mentorship gaps faced by women in business. Over the years, the program has expanded beyond Nigeria to ten African countries where Access Bank operates, impacting more than 878 women entrepreneurs.

Now entering its seventh season in 2025, the program will certify 120 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria with a mini-MBA, while awarding grants of up to ₦5 million to help scale innovative businesses.

What the 2025 Edition Offers

The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton 2025 provides:

Mini-MBA Certification: Tailored training to strengthen business management, delivered in collaboration with top experts.
Financial Grants: Competitive awards ranging from ₦5 million to ₦1 million, with additional grants of ₦500,000 for selected participants and other consolation prizes.
Capacity Building: Skill development, mentorship, and exposure to business networks across Africa.

The combination of business education and funding ensures that participants not only access capital but also gain the knowledge to sustain and expand their ventures.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a woman entrepreneur between 18 and 55 years old.
Own at least 50% of a registered business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Operate a business that has been running for at least one year.
Hold an Access Bank account (individual or business).

Excluded from eligibility are non-profits, Access Bank employees, contractors, and public office holders.

Application Process

The application process is structured to highlight innovation and entrepreneurial drive:

Submit Application via the official program website.
Upload a 1-Minute Pitch Video introducing the business and its value proposition.
Participate in the Mini-MBA Program before the final selection of winners.

This multi-stage system ensures that applicants not only compete for funding but also gain invaluable learning throughout the process.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: October 3, 2025
Program Host: Access Bank’s W Initiative
Grant Range: $1,000 – $10,000 (₦500,000 – ₦5 million)

Why This Program Matters

The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton continues to stand out as more than just a competition. It is a transformational platform for women-led businesses that combines access to finance, knowledge, and networks. By investing in women entrepreneurs, the program strengthens communities, drives innovation, and contributes to inclusive economic growth in Nigeria and beyond.

Women-owned small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) represent a critical part of the African economy, yet they face persistent barriers in financing and scaling their businesses. Programs like the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton provide the tools and capital needed to overcome these challenges.

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How to Apply

Interested entrepreneurs can apply directly through the official W Initiative website

Applicants are encouraged to prepare strong pitch videos and ensure their businesses align with the program’s requirements. The earlier the application is submitted, the better the chances of a smooth process before the October 3rd deadline.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE