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 (6) exceptional women-led businesses at a graduation ceremony in Accra.

The ceremony follows an intensive six-month incubation program for 20 female entrepreneurs 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. The Women in Tech programme is more than just an incubator; it’s a platform for change.

It aims 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.

Sharing her thoughts on the graduation of the 4th Cohort, Mansa Nettey, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, 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”.

Ruka Sanusi, Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, 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 a 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. With the GHC156,000 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.

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.

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.

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 program continues to empower women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, fostering innovation and inclusion within Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.