Ten female entrepreneurs have graduated from the Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Accelerator program in Ghana, receiving financial grants to scale their digital businesses. According to GhanaWeb, the graduation ceremony marked the culmination of months of entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and business development support aimed at boosting female-led ventures in technology.
Program Details and Financial Support
The Standard Chartered Foundation backs the accelerator to address funding gaps for women founders in the technology sector. Graduates completed a structured curriculum focused on business scaling, digital transformation, and financial management before pitching their ventures to a panel of judges. Selected participants received equity-free financial grants to expand their operations, upgrade their technology infrastructure, and hire technical talent. The initiative forms part of the bank’s broader strategy to support small and medium-sized enterprises across its operating markets.
Impact on Ghana’s Startup Ecosystem
Female-led tech startups in West Africa often face significant hurdles when seeking venture capital and institutional financing. Programs like the Women in Tech Accelerator provide alternative pathways for early-stage founders to gain traction without surrendering equity. Industry stakeholders note that equipping these entrepreneurs with digital skills strengthens the wider local economy and encourages more women to pursue careers in STEM fields. The latest cohort joins a growing alumni network of business owners who have completed similar capacity-building programs across the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Accelerator?
It is a capacity-building and grant program designed to support female entrepreneurs who leverage technology in their business models, offering training, mentorship, and financial backing.
Who is eligible for the accelerator program?
The program targets women-led businesses that incorporate digital technology into their operations, ranging from early-stage startups to growing enterprises seeking scale.
What do the graduates receive upon completion?
Participants receive intensive business training, mentorship from industry experts, and equity-free financial grants to help fund their business expansion plans.