Access Bank fulfils the dreams of 50 women with seed grant and capacity building

Access Bank this week fulfilled the dreams of 50 Women Entrepreneurs by offering grants and an IFC-certified mini-MBA programme to help grow their businesses.

The 50 were finalists shortlisted from over two thousand applicants who submitted their business ideas to compete in the business pitching contest dubbed the Womenprenuer Pitch-a -thon Africa under the Bank’s award-winning Women’s initiative W.

This is the 4th edition of the Pitch-a -than that the Bank uses to offer financial and non-financial solutions to women business owners across Africa.

Speaking to the graduates at a ceremony in Accra, the Executive Director for Retail and Digital Banking at Access Bank Ghana, Pearl Nkrumah said this year’s programme is unique as it is the maiden edition hosted in Ghana and thus gives more Ghanaian women the opportunity to participate.

She was excited by the innovation and creativity shown in the business concepts of the finalists. “Out of over 2000 applications received and further screening of 300 competitors who pitched various exciting business ideas, the 50 stood out, proved, and justified their inclusion.“

She told the audience that supporting women remains a strategic pillar for Access Bank and the pitch-a-ton is one of the many ways the Bank empowers women to gain financial independence.

“I strongly believe the mini-MBA, world-class business training, access to finance, and coaching sessions you received have been worth your while and will remain valuable to you for the rest of your business lives.”

Group Head of Retail Banking at Access Bank Ghana PLC, Matilda Asante-Asiedu said the Bank would continue to support the finalist to growth from micro to big businesses. “Our final ten received a share of GHS300,000 in cash prizes, personal accident cover, and free marketing support including website design among others”.

She acknowledged, the German Development Agency GIZ, the International Finance Corporate -IFC, AFC, Sheeltech, InnoHub, Oze, and Scaleup Africa for partnering the Bank to make the program a success.

The First prize winner Naomi Kokuro operates an Agrictech Enterprise that provides grocery shopping services via a mobile Mobil App (Kaya App). She took home a cash prize of GHS50,000, business insurance cover worth GHS20,000, and a free website design among other accolades. She was overjoyed that her award will enable her to serve more customers and thanked Access Bank for the initiative.

“I am so excited not just for myself, but for the many head potters who will be supported through this award,” Naomi said. Amida Iddrisu, a woman with special needs whose business uses shea butter to produce personal care products and trains new entrants, also received an exceptional Managing Director’s award for making it to the top fifty.

Over the years, Access Bank has developed a deep understanding of its customers, delivered excellent services, and empowered them to achieve more through financial education and access to finance.