Access Bank Nigeria $100M Women Entrepreneurship Loan

  Access Bank Nigeria has introduced a comprehensive $100 million Women Entrepreneurship Loan in 2025, designed to empower local entrepreneurs. A significant highlight of this program is the dedicated allocation of $30 million—representing 30% of the total funds—exclusively for female-owned and female-managed enterprises throughout Nigeria. This strategic initiative addresses a critical gap in business financing, particularly targeting the funding challenges that disproportionately affect women entrepreneurs.

The Women Entrepreneurship Loan represents a collaborative effort between Access Bank and four international partner organisations, demonstrating a commitment to providing sustainable financial solutions for small-scale enterprises, with particular emphasis on women-led ventures.

Dedicated Women’s Business Fund: $30 Million Allocation

By ugo-chinedu

The loan program reserves $30 million specifically for enterprises owned or managed by women, representing a substantial portion of the total $100 million fund available throughout 2025. This targeted approach aligns with the principles of the 2X Challenge, an international initiative designed to enhance economic empowerment opportunities for women in the business sector. Female entrepreneurs operating small businesses in Nigeria now have access to a significant funding opportunity that could provide the financial foundation needed to scale their operations.

Application Requirements

Qualified applicants include:

• Operators of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
• Female business owners and managers.
• Entrepreneurs who have faced challenges accessing conventional banking loans.

The application process is currently active, with Access Bank already disbursing funds in 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to maximise their chances of approval.

Prospective borrowers can submit applications through Access Bank’s digital platform or visit physical branch locations. Upon approval, funds are transferred directly to applicants’ bank accounts through secure electronic transfers, adhering to Nigeria’s digital banking protocols that eliminate cash-based transactions.

Active Fund Disbursement Throughout 2025

The lending program is not merely in planning stages—fund distribution has commenced in 2025. Female entrepreneurs and small business owners can immediately begin the application process through Access Bank’s authorised channels. Successful applicants receive funding through established banking procedures designed to reach entrepreneurs who have historically lacked access to equitable lending opportunities. Access Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigerian women extends beyond this current initiative. The institution’s W-Initiative has previously assisted over one million women-operated businesses in recent years. Additionally, the bank has impacted more than 21 million Nigerians through comprehensive social impact programs spanning healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, and business development sectors. This new lending program expands upon Access Bank’s existing efforts by incorporating international funding partnerships and maintaining a concentrated focus on financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs and small business operators across Nigeria. The deadline for applications is not yet specified