Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC has announced the opening of applications for Cohort 4 of the Standard Chartered Women in Technology (SCWIT) Incubator Programme.

This initiative supports female-led and/or owned businesses, in line with the growing demand for diversity in technology and entrepreneurship.

It underscores the need for increased opportunities for women to develop entrepreneurial and leadership excellence, reflecting the bank’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement, with a specific focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.

The programme is implemented by Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (AU-GCIC). Through the SCWIT Incubator programme, selected women entrepreneurs get access to a comprehensive incubation experience featuring personalised business advisory services, mentorship, and financial grants, as well as several skills development masterclasses, including participating in the high-value Mini MBA programme curated by AU-GCIC.

The programme cumulatively aims to equip female-led enterprises with the transformational and essential skills needed for success in the dynamic tech-enabled business landscape.

Immersive Learning In Business Management

Entrepreneurs selected for the initiative will benefit from immersive learning in business management and operations and access to a range of services, including legal, accounting, financial planning, and tech support, as well as valuable networking opportunities with successful peers and industry experts.

Upon completion, the participants will showcase their businesses, competing for financial grants to scale up their ventures and drive sustainable growth and impact.

The SCWIT programme is part of the broader global initiative Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, which is aimed at tackling gender inequality by promoting greater economic inclusion.

Since its launch in Ghana in November 2020, 54 female-owned businesses across various sectors have benefited from the incubator. Fifiteen of these businesses have received grants of US$10,000 (Ghana Cedi equivalent) each to scale up their businesses.

This year’s programme includes an increase from five to six top finalists who will receive US$10,000 in Ghana Cedi equivalent equity-free grants each to scale up or kickstart their technology-enabled businesses.

Commenting on this year’s programme, Mansa Nettey, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, stated, “We remain committed to advancing economic and social development sustainably and equitably; our purpose revolves around propelling commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity. The SC WIT incubator is dedicated to empowering women-led start-ups by providing indispensable resources and the support needed to propel female-owned businesses to unprecedented heights.”

Ruka Sanusi, executive director, Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, also said, “The Standard Chartered Women in Technology business incubator is focused on breaking down gender barriers to opportunity while empowering emerging female business leaders to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.”

“Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre is a proud partner with Standard Chartered for the programme, offering women entrepreneurs with technological and sustainability innovation the skills development, mentorship, and business support they need to realise their start-up dreams.”
Ruka Sanusi

Launched in Ghana in 2020, the Women in Tech Incubator programme is specifically designed for women-led or women-owned businesses that are applying technological innovation to their operations, or women owned tech start-ups.

The SC Women in Tech Ghana Cohort 4 programme will focus on 20 shortlisted female-led businesses. The female business owners will take part in an incubator, where they will have access to subject matter experts. These experts will work with the help the businesses scale up and equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s business environment. Upon completion of the training and workshops, the 20 shortlisted businesses will pitch their ideas/concepts and business plans to a panel of judges who will select the top five winners.

They will each receive seed funding of $10,000 (GHS equivalent) from Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC. Additionally, these selected businesses will benefit from GCIC’s high value Mini MBA and the Women Entrepreneurs Transformation Programs, as well as mentoring and access to a wider network of other companies for these entrepreneurs.