6 Women-owned businesses receive Stanchart grants
STANDARD Chartered Bank Ghana PLC has awarded six women-led businesses with GH₵156,000 each in grants to propel their operations and fuel innovation in their respective industries.
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In addition to the seed funding, the businesses will receive portfolio management support over the next 10 weeks and exposure to potential investors who are looking to support women-owned businesses.
The businesses are Zuputo, Poka Technology Ltd, Even Sparrows Farms, Drdogood, AppCyclers and FreshLine Post Harvest Solutions.
These businesses were part of 20 women-led businesses in Cohort 4 of the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Incubator (SCWIT) programme after an intensive six-month incubation programme and a rigorous pitch session.
The Women in Tech programme is a platform for change aimed at creating opportunities for women to develop entrepreneurial and leadership expertise, helping them break barriers and using technology to tackle social challenges faced by communities.
Launched in Ghana in 2020 and implemented in collaboration with Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, it has supported 74 businesses with 21 participants receiving seed funding.
At the graduation ceremony last Friday in Accra, the Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, Mansa Nettey, commended the winners for showcasing exceptional potential to innovate and thrive by applying technology and remaining competitive in their respective sectors.
“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 fledgling businesses are solving complex societal problems, thereby lifting participation of women,” she said.
Use of tech
Mrs Nettey said the businesses were poised to make a significant impact on Ghana’s economic development, adding that “with the GH₵156,000 in grants, provided by Standard Chartered Bank to each of these businesses, they are now equipped to expand their operations, enhance their product offerings and create new employment opportunities.”
She explained that the success of the Cohort 4 graduates highlighted the vital role of the Standard Chartered Women in Tech programme, in addressing the gender gap in the adoption and use of technology.
Ms Nettey added that 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.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, Ruka Sanusi, said: “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 demonstrate 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."
Meanwhile, 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.