Access Bank's pitch competition offers 120 women entrepreneurs a fully funded Mini-MBA, business grants, and networking. You must own 50%+ of a registered business trading for over a year and hold an Access Bank account.
Access Bank's pitch competition and training programme for women-owned businesses. Season 8 picks 120 women for a fully sponsored Mini-MBA, and some participants receive business grants. Access Bank says past graduates have received more than $200,000 in grants in total.
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Applications are reviewed in stages. Stage 1 is the online form submission. Shortlisted applicants move to stage 2, where they submit a one-minute video pitch and enrol in the Mini-MBA programme. Stage 3 selects applicants whose pitches meet the programme's criteria to advance further. The exact timeline is not published, but Access Bank states applications are open now with a published deadline; contact them for the specific closing date.
What reviewers look for
Access Bank has not published a specific deadline. The programme is open now. Contact wcares@accessbankplc.com or call 012712005-7, 01-2273005, or 07003000000 to confirm the closing date before applying.
The sources do not clarify whether joint ownership qualifies. The rule requires that you own at least 50%; if two founders each own 50%, it is unclear whether you can apply as a pair. Contact Access Bank directly to confirm before submitting.
No. All 120 selected for season 8 receive the fully sponsored Mini-MBA and training. Only some participants receive business grants. Past seasons have awarded more than $200,000 in total grants, but the amount and number of grants this season are not stated.
It is a fully sponsored business certification programme included in the competition for all 120 selected participants. You pay nothing.
Access Bank will notify you. The sources do not specify the method or timeline. Follow up via wcares@accessbankplc.com or the phone numbers listed if you have not heard within a reasonable time after the deadline.
Guide written from the official programme page on 15 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.
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