One of the winners with their seed fund
Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC has unveiled the winners of the Cohort 4 Standard Chartered Women in Tech Incubator programme, awarding a total of GH¢936,000 in grants to six women-led businesses at a graduation ceremony in Accra.
The ceremony follows an intensive six-month incubation programme for 20 female entreprenuers, and a rigorous pitch session where six businesses were adjudged winners and each awarded a GH¢156,000 grant to propel their operations and fuel innovation in their respective industries.
The Standard Chartered Women in Tech Incubator (SCWIT) launched in Ghana in 2020 and implemented in collaboration with Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, has supported 74 businesses with 21 participants receiving seed funding.
Sharing her thoughts on the graduation of the 4th Cohort, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, Mansa Nettey, commended the winners for their achievements.
“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”.
Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, Ruka Sanusi, remarked, “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.”
The winning companies, Zuputo, Poka Technology Ltd, Even Sparrows Farms, Drdogood, AppCyclers and FreshLine Post Harvest Solutions have all showcased exceptional potential to innovate and thrive by applying technology and remaining competitive in their respective sector. Their contributions are poised to make a significant impact on Ghana’s economic development.
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.
.A Business Desk Report