Access Bank Womenpreneur 2026: Nigerian Women Can Apply for ₦7m Grant and Free Mini-MBA
Access Bank Womenpreneur 2026 offers 120 Nigerian women a sponsored Mini-MBA and grants of up to ₦7 million
Nigerian women entrepreneurs have until September 29, 2026 to apply for the latest edition of the Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Programme, which combines business training, networking opportunities and financial support for selected participants.
The 2026 programme is seeking 120 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria for a fully sponsored Mini-MBA programme designed to strengthen business leadership and improve business performance.
Selected finalists can also compete for grants worth more than ₦18 million, with the largest individual award set at ₦7 million.
What is the Access Bank Womenpreneur Program?
The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Programme is an initiative of Access Bank’s W Initiative designed to support women running businesses.
The programme initially provided Mini-MBA certification to 50 Nigerian women entrepreneurs, alongside financial grants for its top participants. It was later expanded to other African countries where Access Bank’s W Initiative operates.
The current Nigerian edition is seeking another 120 women entrepreneurs to participate in the sponsored Mini-MBA programme.
Beyond financial assistance, participants can receive business exposure, leadership development opportunities and access to a wider network of entrepreneurs.
How much is the Womenpreneur grant?
The programme provides financial awards to selected beneficiaries across different categories.
The stated funding structure includes:
- ₦7 million for the first beneficiary
- ₦5 million for the second beneficiary
- ₦3 million for the third beneficiary
- ₦2 million for the fourth beneficiary
- ₦1 million for the fifth beneficiary
- ₦500,000 each for five additional beneficiaries
- ₦250,000 each for 10 additional beneficiaries
The funding is separate from the Mini-MBA training and other opportunities available through the programme.
Who can apply for Access Bank Womenpreneur 2026?
Applicants must satisfy several conditions before they can be considered.
To qualify, an applicant must:
- Be a woman in business with at least 50% ownership of the business.
- Have an Access Bank individual or business account.
- Have a registered business.
- Be between 18 and 55 years old.
- Have operated the business for more than one year.
- Complete and submit the application form.
Applicants who progress to the second stage must also prepare a short video pitch explaining their business.
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What is required for the 60-second business pitch?
Applicants who reach the pitch stage must submit a 60-second elevator pitch video about their business.
The video should have clear audio and can be recorded using a quality mobile phone or video camera.
The submitted video must not exceed 50MB.
This stage gives applicants an opportunity to explain what their business does and communicate its potential within a very short period.
How the Access Bank Womenpreneur application works
The application process is divided into stages.
Stage 1: Join the W Community
Applicants begin by joining the relevant W Community as part of the programme process.
Stage 2: Complete the online application
Applicants are required to provide accurate personal and business information.
The form includes questions about the applicant and the business, as well as a section requiring a brief description of the business.
After completing the questions, the applicant submits the form for consideration.
Successful applicants are contacted through email.
Stage 3: Submit the business pitch
Applicants who advance to the pitch stage must create and upload their 60-second business video.
The pitch should have clear audio and stay within the 50MB file limit.
Stage 4: Selection of the top 120
The applicants selected among the top 120 are contacted by email and invited to proceed with the sponsored Mini-MBA programme.
What does the Mini-MBA offer?
The Mini-MBA is intended to strengthen participants’ entrepreneurial and leadership capabilities.
Participants can gain exposure to business management concepts while developing skills that can help with business growth and sustainability.
The programme also offers access to networking opportunities and a community of women entrepreneurs.
For women already operating established businesses, the training provides an opportunity to develop their business knowledge while competing for additional financial support.
When is the deadline for Womenpreneur 2026?
The application deadline is September 29, 2026.
Applicants who meet the requirements should complete the application process before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.
They should also ensure that their personal and business information is accurate and that their pitch video meets the stated requirements if they progress to that stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Access Bank Womenpreneur Program 2026?
Women entrepreneurs aged 18 to 55 who own at least 50% of a registered business that has operated for more than one year can apply, provided they meet the other requirements.
How much can winners receive from the Womenpreneur Program?
The listed awards range from ₦250,000 to ₦7 million, with additional beneficiaries receiving ₦500,000 awards.
How many women will participate in the 2026 Mini-MBA?
The programme plans to select 120 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria for the fully sponsored Mini-MBA.
Does my business have to be registered?
Yes. The stated eligibility requirements specify that the applicant’s business must be registered.
Do I need an Access Bank account to apply?
Yes. Applicants are required to have an Access Bank individual or business account.
How old must I be to apply?
Applicants must be between 18 and 55 years old.
How long must my business have operated?
The business must have been operating for more than one year.
Is there a video requirement?
Yes. Applicants who reach the second stage must submit a 60-second video pitch about their business. The video must not exceed 50MB.
When does the Access Bank Womenpreneur application close?
The stated deadline is September 29, 2026.