Deadline: October 3, 2025
The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton 2025 by Access Bank’s W Initiative is back again, offering female entrepreneurs across Nigeria and Africa the opportunity to access grants, training, and business support. Since its launch in 2019, the programme has empowered women-led businesses with funding, capacity building, and visibility, making it one of the most impactful initiatives for women entrepreneurs on the continent.
If you are a woman leading a business, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton 2025 could be your gateway to funding of up to ₦5 million and a world-class mini-MBA certification.
What is Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton?
The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton is an annual entrepreneurial support programme designed to empower female-owned businesses with:
- A mini-MBA certification programme for selected participants.
- Business funding grants of up to ₦5 million.
- Training and mentoring opportunities.
In 2025, the initiative will train 120 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria through a comprehensive mini-MBA, ensuring that participants not only receive funding but also acquire the knowledge and skills to scale their businesses sustainably.
Why Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Matters
Access Bank, through its W Initiative, created the Pitch-a-ton as the first women-focused business pitch competition of its kind in Africa. It bridges two critical gaps for female entrepreneurs:
- Access to finance – with cash grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million.
- Access to knowledge – with mini-MBA training tailored to the realities of running a small or medium-scale business.
By combining funding with learning, the programme ensures businesses are not only supported financially but are also equipped for long-term growth.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Business Ownership: Applicant must own 50% or more of the business.
- Business Registration: Business must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and must have been operating for at least one year.
- Age Limit: Applicant must be between 18 and 55 years old.
- Banking Requirement: Must hold an Access Bank account (individual or business).
- Pitch Requirement: Submit a 1-minute video pitch describing the business.
For joint ventures, women with at least 50% ownership and managerial responsibility are eligible.
Application Process and Deadline
The application process is simple and straightforward:
- Complete the online application form with personal and business details.
- Upload a one-minute video pitch about your business.
- Await notification if selected for the mini-MBA training.
📌 Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 3rd October 2025.
Prizes and Benefits
Successful applicants stand a chance to win both training and financial support.
Grants Available:
- 1st Prize: ₦5 million
- 2nd Prize: ₦4 million
- 3rd Prize: ₦3 million
- 4th Prize: ₦2 million
- 5th Prize: ₦1 million
- Additional Prizes: Several applicants will win ₦500,000 each plus other consolation prizes.
Other Benefits:
- Access to business mentorship.
- Opportunity to network with like-minded women entrepreneurs.
- Recognition and visibility across Africa.
How to Apply
Applications are currently open and will close on 3rd October 2025.
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Read more about the programme
Final Thoughts
The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton 2025 is more than a competition – it is an opportunity to grow, learn, and expand your business with funding and training that lasts a lifetime. If you are a woman entrepreneur in Nigeria or Africa, this is your chance to pitch your idea, get expert mentorship, and potentially secure millions in business funding.
Need help with your application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to boost your chances of winning.