The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton program, launched in 2019 by Access Bank’s W Initiative, is a unique support initiative designed for women in business. In its first year, the program provided a free mini-MBA certification to 50 female entrepreneurs in Nigeria, along with financial grants totaling N9 million for the top three participants. This initiative was executed in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. Since then, the program has expanded to include 10 other African countries where the W Initiative operates.
The program has awarded Mini-MBA certifications to more than 300 women entrepreneurs across Africa. The 2024 edition, marking the fifth season, aims to provide Mini-MBA certifications to 120 more women entrepreneurs in Nigeria and grants exceeding N17 million.
The 2024 Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton program in Nigeria will commence on Monday, June 24th, and run until August 9th, 2024. This edition will offer financial grants, an exclusive certified capacity-building program, and business coaching to empower female entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Criteria:
Female entrepreneurs with a business operational for at least one year
Businesses must have at least 50% female ownership
Applicants must be between 18 and 55 years old
Program Benefits:
Participants will benefit from a certified Mini-MBA program and grant prizes. The three-month program includes eight weeks of Mini-MBA training in collaboration with the IFC, followed by pitching sessions to a Pan-African jury. Finalists will pitch their business plans, incorporating their newly acquired knowledge, to win financial grants and other prizes.
Rewards and Prizes:
Grant Prizes:
First place: N5 million
Second place: N4 million
Third place: N3 million
Fourth place: N2 million
Fifth place: N1 million
Sixth place: N750,000
Seventh place: N500,000
In addition, 20 applicants will receive consolation prizes, such as free online advertising and website development.
The top 100 applicants will receive a 12-week mini-MBA training from the IFC.
Application Process:
All applications will be reviewed and screened by independent business experts. 500 candidates will be shortlisted and asked to submit a 60-second video pitch. From these, the final 120 candidates will be selected.
Application Deadline: August 9th, 2024
Click HERE to Apply
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