By Sandra Agyeiwaa OTOO
Access Bank Ghana PLC has marked a decade of supporting women-led businesses through its flagship Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton programme.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 2024 cohort, the Executive Director for Retail and Digital Banking, Pearl Nkrumah, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs as a means of fostering economic growth.
“It’s truly an honour to stand before you today as we celebrate a significant milestone, which is the 2024 Womenprenuer pitch-a-ton graduation. We, at Access Bank, embarked on this flagship programme ten years ago; starting from a group office in Nigeria,” she stated.
“Today we celebrate not just individual achievements but the collective progress we are making toward creating a thriving economy for women-led businesses in Ghana. At Access Bank, we believe that empowering women fuels thriving businesses, stronger communities and drives economic growth,” she added.
The programme, which has attracted over 5,000 applicants since its inception, provides selected women with business training, access to funding and critical market exposure.
The womenprenuer pitch-a-ton is a platform designed to equip women with skills, resources and support they need to scale and lead and also to ensure that lasting and sustainable businesses exist in the country.
Mrs. Nkrumah highlighted that more than GH¢1million in cash prizes had been awarded to 21 exceptional entrepreneurs while 15 others received consolation packages, including website development, digital publicity and business insurance.
“Beyond training, the programme has also disbursed over GH¢1million in cash prizes to 21 exceptional women while 15 others receive consolation packages, including website designs, digital publicity and business insurance — all aimed at strengthening business growth. And I think for me, it’s planting the seed and giving you most of these businesses the initial capital to take their business from one stage to the other,’ she revealed.
This year, 18 finalists showcased their refined business models, benefitting from partnerships with industry leaders such as Nile Consult, Coronation, Africa Skills Hub, Deloitte and Development Bank Ghana.
The competition’s rigorous process ensures that top entrepreneurs receive not only financial assistance but also essential business exposure.
“As we mark this achievement, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to championing women entrepreneurs, advancing financial inclusion and driving sustainable economic growth. We look forward to seeing the ripple effect of your success and supporting you in the next phase of your journey,” she concluded.
The contest begins with an open call for applications, followed by rigorous screening to select the top 50 participants. These entrepreneurs undergo a mini MBA, gain market access and receive financial support.
Season 6 top-three winners — Vieva Bee Enterprise, Oskhalim Food Processing and DRDOGOOD LTD. — each received GH¢100,000 alongside additional partner-sponsored benefits, including insurance and financial packages. A special award also recognised an outstanding entrepreneur with a disability, reflecting the bank’s commitment to inclusivity.
“I think women are the greater majority of business owners in Ghana; and as a bank that is dedicated to supporting businesses and supporting women businesses, this pitch-a-ton is an opportunity for women to pitch their business ideas and to get training,” said Matilda Asante-Asiedu, Group Head, Retail Banking at Access Bank.
She described the initiative as a “mini MBA” designed to equip women with essential business skills, financial assistance and market exposure.
“It is a mini MBA which we do in partnership with IFC, so we get the knowledge, the skills and also get the financial support because you see that we’re giving grants, GH¢100,000 for the top three winners, plus many more other benefits in kind that were offered,” she mentioned.
She explained that the goal is to support women-owned businesses by providing market opportunities and fostering growth. This commitment stems from the belief that since women make up more than 70 percent of small business owners in the country, empowering them not only strengthens their enterprises but also benefits communities, the economy and the nation as a whole.
With the continued expansion of women-led enterprises, Access Bank remains committed to strengthening its support network, ensuring that female entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed.
“I won one of the ultimate prizes—GH¢ 100,000—and I’m going to use this money to grow my business, invest in machinery and create more jobs,” says Genevieva Baidoo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vieva Bee Enterprise, a company that produces baby cereals using Ghanaian raw materials.
Beyond expanding her business, she also hopes to make a social impact, as her company donates annually to an orphanage.
Encouraging other women entrepreneurs, she added: “If you’re a woman and you’re an entrepreneur, no matter how small you are, just put in the effort and put in the energy. When you see any link or anything out there, just apply. You never know what God has in store for you”.
