Access Bank has launched the eighth season of its Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton programme, with 120 women entrepreneurs expected to receive intensive business training and financial support.
The programme, which is being implemented in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is scheduled to begin in November 2026. Participants will undergo a three-week programme structured like a mini-MBA, focusing on areas such as business management, finance, networking and entrepreneurship.
According to Access Bank, more than 1,141 women across 10 African countries have completed the first seven seasons of the programme. Beneficiaries have also received grants worth more than $200,000 over the years.
The bank said the latest edition is designed to help women-owned businesses become stronger and more sustainable. Participants will receive practical knowledge that can help them manage their businesses, improve their financial records and become better prepared to access formal financing.
Chizobar Iheme, Group Head of Consumer Banking at Access Bank, said financial inclusion should go beyond simply bringing women into the banking system. According to the bank, women entrepreneurs also need the skills and structures required to build businesses that can survive and grow.
The programme is particularly important for small and growing businesses because many entrepreneurs struggle to access loans and other forms of formal financing. Access Bank said it wants participants to be better prepared to meet the requirements needed when applying for credit.
The bank also announced changes to the latest edition. In addition to the main grant, 19 other beneficiaries will receive financial support, giving more participants an opportunity to benefit from the programme.
The initiative forms part of Access Bank’s wider W Initiative, which provides women with access to financial services, business training, mentoring and other support. The bank says the initiative has been running for more than a decade and is focused on promoting women’s financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.
For Nigerian women running small businesses, the programme could provide an opportunity to gain business knowledge, build useful connections and potentially access funding.
Applications for Season 8 have been opened, with the programme expected to commence in November.
