Women-led businesses continue to face significant funding and tailored support challenges despite research showing that female entrepreneurs have higher loan repayment rates than their male counterparts.
Also, research shows that their businesses are likely to have broader socio-economic impact.
A crucial question in line with this is, what quick tips can be given to these businesses to spur growth and make them more attractive to investors?
In response, Standard Chartered Bank as part of its women’s month celebration hosted a Women’s Entrepreneurship Masterclass which brought together experts from industry and the bank to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to make their businesses grow and also be investment ready.
The masterclass delved into critical areas such as access to finance and credit, corporate governance, digital marketing, brand positioning, and leadership development, key pillars that are paramount for growth.
Michael Asem, Chief Commercial Officer at SOLV Ghana and one of the facilitators at the event emphasised that business success is a process that requires patience, financial literacy, and strategic growth.
Too often, entrepreneurs rush the journey, overlooking fundamental structures that make a business scalable. He highlighted the importance of building financial discipline and understanding available funding opportunities, including platforms like SOLV Ghana, which connect businesses to financial institutions and investors.
Albert Essuman, a brand building expert from the Bank, explored how social media has become a powerful tool for business growth, urging women entrepreneurs to be intentional about their online presence.
He shared practical strategies for optimising content, building thought leadership, and shaping brand perception to attract the right audience.
“Marketing isn’t just about selling a product. It’s about being seen, heard, and trusted,” he explained, stressing that visibility in the digital space is no longer optional but essential.
The entrepreneurs were also educated on the importance of digital payments especially as the world is shifting towards a cashless ecosystem.
Bringing the session to a close, Asiedua Addae Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, challenged participants to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. She encouraged women to learn, unlearn, and relearn as they scale their businesses.
She also spoke on the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, forming meaningful networks, and taking bold steps to access funding opportunities.
The entrepreneurs expressed how educative and refreshing the session was especially because it presented them with a platform to network and meet like-minded entrepreneurs. Others expressed that the programme was very informative, especially learning how to structure their businesses to make them bankable.
Standard Chartered, through this initiative, continues to reinforce its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, not just by inspiring them but by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to build bankable businesses.
By addressing the very challenges that hinder growth, the Bank is ensuring that women-owned businesses are not just surviving but thriving in today’s competitive business landscape.
