Access Bank launches Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Season 3

Access Bank Plc unveiled the third edition of its Womenpreneur Pitch -a-ton Africa program to empower women entrepreneurs with financial and business skills.

Ms Ayona Trimnell, head of the bank’s W Initiative group, in a statement, said the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Africa program is designed to provide women-owned businesses across Africa with the opportunity to access world-class finance, business training, and mentorship opportunities.

Trimnell said the program was designed to create an environment for women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

She noted that the bank had been one of the main advocates for the economic empowerment of women in Africa.

“This is the main motivation behind the ‘W’ Initiative which addresses the women’s economy, particularly in the areas of financing, capacity building and creating networking opportunities for women.

“We launched the first Womenpreneur pitch-a-ton initiative in 2019 in line with our value proposition of being the number one bank of choice for women in Nigeria, and we have received over 100,000 applications in the past two years.

“In 2020, despite the pandemic, we were able to extend the program to other women entrepreneurs in seven African countries with three laureates from Sierra Leone, Ghana and Zambia out of 50 finalists.

“This year, we are expanding and improving the program by increasing the number of women entrepreneurs to 100 who will become finalists,” she said.

According to her, the program will open to nine African countries in total: Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Rwanda, Mozambique, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and Gambia.

Trimnell said the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Africa 2021 program started from June 21 to August 13.

She explained that she would offer financial grants, an exclusive certified capacity building program and business coaching aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs.

“Interested female entrepreneurs who meet the criteria of having a business that has been in existence for at least one year with at least 50% female ownership and between the ages of 18 and 45 are eligible and must complete an online application at www.womenpreneur. ng

“The program lasts three months including 12 weeks of mini-MBA training in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation and presentation sessions to a pan-African jury where the top 100 finalists will present their company,” he added. she declared. (NAA)