Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC has awarded GHȼ936,000 in grants to six (6) outstanding women-led businesses that emerged winners of the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Incubator programme, Cohort 4.
The awards follow an intensive six-month incubation programme involving 20 female entrepreneurs that culminated in a rigorous pitch session, where the six businesses were adjudged winners and received a grant of GH¢156,000 each to enhance their operations and drive innovation in their respective sectors.
The winning businesses – Zuputo, Poka Technology Ltd, Even Sparrows Farms, Drdogood, AppCyclers and FreshLine Post Harvest Solutions – have showcased exceptional potential to innovate and thrive by applying technology and remaining competitive in their respective sectors.
The grant is also to help these businesses expand, enhance their product offerings and create new employment opportunities.
In an interview with B&FT, Head-Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, Asiedua Addae, underscored the bank’s dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs through the programme; saying beyond seed funding, the businesses will receive portfolio management support over the next 10 weeks and have opportunities to connect with potential investors interested in supporting women-owned businesses.
Also, all 20 graduates will be joining the global SCWIT alumni network where they will have access to additional networking events, resources, content and business-scaling opportunities.
“We trust that these grants will help scale up their businesses across sectors such as agriculture, education, fashion and health. As they grow, their impact will ripple through the economy,” Ms. Addae stated.
SCWIT programme
Launched in Ghana in 2020, the SCWIT programme – in partnership with Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre – has supported 74 businesses to date, with 21 participants receiving seed funding.
The programme aims to empower women by developing their entrepreneurial and leadership skills, helping them break barriers and utilise technology to address social challenges.
Cohort four
Sharing her thoughts on the 4th Cohort’s graduation, Mansa Nettey, Chief Executive-Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, commended the winners for their achievements, stating: “We are incredibly proud of the progress and achievements of these innovative young women entrepreneurs who have incorporated technology into their businesses, from agriculture and health to education and many others.
“Though small today, these fledgling businesses are solving complex societal problems, thereby lifting the participation of women.”
Ruka Sanusi, Executive Director-Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, on the other hand highlighted unique values women bring to the business world.
“The diversity of solutions and products these women-led businesses have developed truly sets female business owners apart. Their ability to deeply understand the diverse needs of consumers, tap into different industries and create tailored solutions demonstrates their capacity to drive innovation and meet varied market demands with creativity and foresight. This is a testament to the incredible value women bring to the business world,” she stated.
The success of Cohort 4 graduates highlights the Standard Chartered Women in Tech programme’s vital role in addressing the gender gap in adoption and use of technology.
By offering resources, mentorship and support, the programme continues to empower women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, fostering innovation and inclusion within Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
