Access Bank has awarded N17.5 million in grants to ten exceptional women entrepreneurs under its Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton initiative. This program, in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is part of Access Bank’s W Initiative, aimed at fostering financial inclusion and scaling female-led enterprises across Africa.
Program Highlights
Grand Prize Winner: Simkay Foods, led by Rejoice Usim, emerged as the top beneficiary, receiving N5 million. She plans to use the grant to expand her farmer database platform from two communities in Zaria and Kaduna to 19 states in northern Nigeria.
Other Beneficiaries:
The remaining finalists were awarded grants ranging from N500,000 to N4 million, supporting diverse business ventures.
Mini-MBA Certification:
The program also provides business training through mini-MBA certifications, equipping participants with essential skills for growth.
Program Impact
Since its inception in 2019, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton has:
Disbursed over $175,000 in grants.
Trained 645 participants across 10 African countries.
Built a robust alumni network of 513 women through the Womenpreneur Academy.
The latest edition saw over 30,000 applications, culminating in 113 finalists completing the program.
Stakeholder Remarks
Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head of the W Initiative, reiterated Access Bank’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. “This initiative combines financial support with mentorship and training to foster sustainable business growth,” she said.
Christian Mulamula, Head of Office, Nigeria at the IFC, highlighted the broader economic impact:
“Empowering female entrepreneurs is not only about equity but also a vital driver of economic development.”
Advancing Women-Led Enterprises
Access Bank’s Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton initiative exemplifies its dedication to creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs, combining grants, training, and mentorship to enable these businesses to thrive and contribute to Africa’s economic development.
