In a groundbreaking move to uplift and empower women entrepreneurs, Access Bank Plc, in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan-Atlantic University, recently organized an intensive two-day capacity-building program. The event, known as the Business Masterclass 2.0, aimed to equip female business owners with essential skills for managing and growing sustainable enterprises.
Recognizing the challenges faced by women in the business world, Access Bank’s ‘W Initiative’ took the lead in providing comprehensive support to drive their success. The program focused on addressing key obstacles encountered by women entrepreneurs while offering invaluable insights into strategies for expanding into new markets and streamlining business operations.
“The W Initiative firmly believes that empowering businesses and championing the success of women entrepreneurs go hand in hand,” stated Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head of Women Banking at Access Bank Plc. “We are committed to fostering the growth and operational efficiency of numerous women entrepreneurs, empowering them to thrive and contribute to the development of the economy.”
The Business Masterclass featured interactive sessions, enabling participants to enhance their business acumen and gain practical knowledge in various areas of entrepreneurship. Additionally, the program introduced the women to the HerVenture app, an innovative learning platform tailored to the specific needs of women entrepreneurs in the start-up and early growth stages of their businesses.
In a remarkable show of support, the EDC provided 20 female entrepreneurs with free business advisory services, social media optimization consultancy, promotional flyers, sponsored ads, and more. These resources were designed to enhance brand visibility and scale market access, giving women-owned businesses a competitive edge.
Access Bank’s commitment to fostering female entrepreneurship extends beyond the Business Masterclass. The ‘W Initiative’ offers a range of growth and capacity-building programs tailored to the needs of female business owners. Notable initiatives include the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton, a platform for showcasing and funding exceptional business ideas, and a certified Mini MBA program in partnership with the International Finance Corporation.
To ensure widespread access to knowledge and resources, women-owned businesses across Africa can access selected training sessions on The W Initiative’s YouTube page. Stay updated on Access Bank’s offerings and join the supportive community by following @thewcommunity on social media.
As Access Bank’s mission to empower women entrepreneurs gains momentum, the highly anticipated 5th season of Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton is set to launch today, June 27, 2023. This platform promises to be a stepping stone for aspiring female business owners, enabling them to turn their dreams into reality and make a lasting impact on the business landscape.
With the ‘W Initiative’ at the forefront of empowering women entrepreneurs, Access Bank continues to champion their cause and drive sustainable economic growth through inclusive and innovative initiatives.
