Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Season 8 — Access Bank's Fully Sponsored Mini-MBA & Business Grants for Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs

If you're a woman who owns and runs a business in Nigeria, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton is one of the most established, credible women-focused business support programmes on the continent — and Season 8 is now open.

Since its launch in 2019, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton programme has grown into a pan-African initiative supporting women entrepreneurs, and is a key entrepreneurship programme under Access Bank's W Initiative. The programme combines business education with access to grant funding, networking, and business exposure — created to empower women-owned businesses with the knowledge, networks, and funding needed to scale.

This season: 120 exceptional women entrepreneurs in Nigeria will be selected to participate in an intensive, fully sponsored Mini-MBA programme designed to strengthen their leadership, improve business performance, and prepare them for sustainable growth.

What Is the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton?

The programme was launched to empower women entrepreneurs in Nigeria through business education, mentorship, and financial support, including access to a fully funded Mini-MBA certification and business grants for selected participants.

Building on its success, the programme has expanded beyond Nigeria to other African markets where Access Bank operates, evolving into a platform that supports and champions women-led enterprises across the continent. Over the years, it has equipped women entrepreneurs across Africa with practical business skills, strategic mentorship, and financial support to strengthen their businesses and unlock sustainable growth.

What Does the Programme Offer?

- Business Exposure — visibility and access to valuable business networks

- Mini-MBA Certification — fully sponsored, intensive leadership and business training

- Business Grants — financial support for selected finalists

Beyond the funding, finalists gain visibility and the opportunity to join a growing community of women entrepreneurs shaping the future of African business.

Is This a Grant or a Loan?

This is a combined training programme + business grant — not a loan. The Mini-MBA is fully sponsored (free), and grants are awarded to selected finalists as non-repayable funding.

Who Can Apply?

- Must be a woman with a minimum of 50% ownership in the business

- Business must be registered

- Applicant must be between 18 and 55 years old

- Business must have been operating for over 1 year

- Applicant must have an Access Bank account (Individual or Business account)

- Must complete and submit the full online application form

What You Need Before Applying

1. An Access Bank Account — Individual or Business account is required.

2. *MProof of Business Registration

3. Proof of Ownership — confirming at least 50% shareholding in the business.

4. A One-Minute Video Pitch — required at the shortlisting stage, presenting your business.

5. Business Details — as requested on the online application form.

How the Application Process Works

Stage 1 — Submit Your Application

Complete and submit the online application form with your business details.

Stage 2 — Upload Your Pitch

Shortlisted applicants submit a one-minute video pitch about their business.

Stage 3 — Get Selected

Applicants with qualifying business pitches are selected to advance — joining the Mini-MBA programme and becoming eligible for grant funding.

How to Apply for Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Season 8

Step 1 — Confirm Your Eligibility

Ensure you meet all criteria: 50%+ ownership, registered business, ages 18–55, business operating over 1 year, and an Access Bank account.

Step 2 — Visit the Official Application Portal

👉 https://www.womenpreneur.thewcommunity.com/

Step 3 — Click "Apply Now"

Begin your application directly on the official site.

Step 4 — Complete the Application Form

Provide your business and personal details accurately.

Step 5 — Prepare and Upload Your One-Minute Pitch Video (if shortlisted)

Present your business clearly and confidently within the time limit.

Step 6 — Await Selection

Selected participants join the fully sponsored Mini-MBA programme and compete for business grants.

Where to Apply

Official Application Portal:

👉 https://www.womenpreneur.thewcommunity.com/

Important Notes

- This is directly run by Access Bank — a real, established Nigerian bank — with published support contacts: wcares@accessbankplc.com, 0700 300 0000, 01-271 2005-7, 01-227 3005.

- An Access Bank account is a firm eligibility requirement — confirm you have one (or are willing to open one) before applying.

- This is the 8th edition of an established, credible programme running since 2019 — not a new or unverified initiative.

- Application is free — be cautious of anyone claiming to guarantee your selection for a fee.

Tips for a Strong Application

Be Ready to Prove Majority Ownership — Since 50%+ ownership is a firm requirement, have your business registration and ownership documentation in order.

Prepare Your One-Minute Pitch Carefully — With such a tight time limit, focus on your business's core value, traction, and what growth support would unlock.

Show Genuine Growth Potential — Since selection feeds into a Mini-MBA and grant funding, demonstrate that you're ready to use both effectively.

Confirm Your Access Bank Account Status Early — Don't leave this requirement until the last step of your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Applying without an Access Bank account.

- Applying with less than 50% ownership in the business.

- Applying with a business younger than 1 year.

- Applying outside the 18–55 age range.

- Submitting a pitch video that exceeds the one-minute limit or lacks focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Access Bank account to apply?

Yes, an Access Bank Individual or Business account is a firm requirement.

What percentage of the business must I own?

A minimum of 50% shareholding.

How old must my business be?

It must have been operating for over 1 year.

What's the age range for applicants?

18 to 55 years old.

Is the Mini-MBA free?

Yes, it's fully sponsored for selected participants.

Is there a fee to apply?

No indication of a fee — be cautious of anyone claiming otherwise.

Where do I apply?

👉 https://www.womenpreneur.thewcommunity.com/

Official Links

Application Portal:

https://www.womenpreneur.thewcommunity.com/

Programme Contacts

📧 wcares@accessbankplc.com

📞 0700 300 0000 / 01-271 2005-7 / 01-227 3005