Six outstanding women-led businesses awarded GH?936,000

Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC has awarded GH?936,000 in grants to six (6) outstanding women-led businesses who 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, culminating in a rigorous pitch session where the six businesses were adjudged winners and each received a grant of GH¢156,000 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 sector.

The grant is also to help these businesses expand, enhance their product offerings, and create new employment opportunities.

In an interview with the B&FT Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand, and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, Asiedua Addae underscored the bank’s dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs through the programme, saying beyond to the seed funding, the businesses will receive portfolio management support over the next 10 weeks and have the opportunity 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 utilising technology to address social challenges.

Cohort four

Sharing her thoughts on the graduation of the 4^th Cohort, Mansa Nettey, Chief Executive of 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, health to education and many others.

“Though small today, these fledging businesses are solving complex societal problems, thereby lifting participation of women”.

Ruka Sanusi, Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, on the other hand highlighted the unique value 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 testament to the incredible value women bring to the business world,” she stated.

The success of the Cohort 4 graduates highlights the vital role of the Standard Chartered Women in Tech programme, in addressing the gender gap in the 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.

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