Retail giant Access Bank plc has introduced the W Initiative Womenprenuer Pitch-a-ton for its fifth season, aiming to inspire, connect, and empower women while fulfilling its vision of becoming the preferred bank for women in the markets it serves.

The W Initiative’s primary goal is to empower female entrepreneurs by providing them with financial and business skills through the Womenprenuer Pitch-a-ton program. This initiative offers female-owned businesses across Africa a chance to access financing, top-notch business training, and valuable mentoring opportunities.

Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head of the W Initiative, emphasized that Access Bank has been a strong advocate for women’s economic empowerment in Africa, and this program further cements their commitment to supporting the women economy. The 2023 Womenprenuer Pitch-a-ton program will kick off from June 26 to August 11, offering financial grants, a certified capacity-building program, and business coaching to empower women entrepreneurs. Eligible female entrepreneurs must have an existing business for at least one year, with at least 50 percent female ownership and fall within the age range of 18 to 55 years.

The selected finalists will undergo an 8-week Mini-MBA training in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and pitch their businesses to a Pan-African Jury panel for a chance to win financial grants and other prizes.