Winners displaying their cash prices and mini-MBA certificates
50 women entrepreneurs have benefited from Access Bank’s business pitching contest dubbed the Womenprenuer Pitch-a -thon Africa under the Bank’s award-winning Women’s initiative W.
They were offered grants and an IFC certified mini-MBA programme to help grow their businesses.
The 50 were finalists in the 4th edition of the Pitch-a -thon that the Bank uses to offer financial and non-financial solutions to women business owners across Africa.
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 given more Ghanaian women the opportunity to participate.
“Out of over 2000 applications received and a further screening of 300 competitors who pitched various exciting business ideas, the 50 stood out, proved, and justified their inclusion,” she said.
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 Bankempowers women to gain financial independence.
Group Head of Retail Banking at Access Bank Ghana PLC, Matilda Asante-Asiedu, said the Bank will continue to support the finalist to growth from micro to big businesses.
“Our final ten received a share of GH¢300,000 in cash prizes, personal accident cover and free marketing support including website design among others”.
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 GH¢50,000, business insurance cover worth GH¢20,000, a free website design among other prizes.
“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 a special Managing Director’s award for making it to the top fifty.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri