Women-led businesses in Kenya are set to benefit from Standard Chartered’s business proposition, dubbed SC Women International Network (SC WIN).
This network leverages the power of Standard Chartered’s global footprint to help women-led businesses grow domestically and internationally.
The offering includes capital, protection, and investment solutions customized for women in business.
SC WIN has been designed in partnership with Safaricom, Mastercard, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and Jubilee Health Insurance.
SC WIN is founded upon three pillars: scale, connect, and belong.
It will enable women entrepreneurs to access invoice discounting, capital, insurance, and investment solutions, as well as get linked to a global network for better opportunities and become part of a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
“Our offering is based on insights from women entrepreneurs highlighting the structural gaps that exist for women in business on access to credit lines, market linkages and business growth models. SC WIN responds to these needs by providing accessible solutions such as invoice discounting, financing, trade, forex and digital,” Edith Chumba, Head, Consumer Private and Business Banking at Standard Chartered Kenya & E. A said.
“We are providing a collaborative end-to-end business ecosystem that will help women in business thrive in the local and global markets. We hope that this proposition encourages more women entrepreneurs to explore new business opportunities and plug into the global business market.”
“The network will also be a community where women in business can leverage on each other’s experience and networks for greater impact. Our in-house expertise will ensure that
they get the best financial solutions, education, and service” – Chief Executive Officer @kariuki_ngari pic.twitter.com/gacFR7RZBx— Standard Chartered (@StanChartKE) July 31, 2023
SC WIN proposition
This proposition will not only enhance access to capital but also remove market barriers that often stifle enterprise growth.
It is also hinged on a relationship-based model that will be instrumental in driving meaningful dialogue and building connections among women entrepreneurs.
The SC WIN proposition seeks to remove structural barriers women in the business face regarding credit, supply chain access, and capacity building.
It will leverage Standard Chartered’s global network and capabilities to remove these bottlenecks.
SC WIN is aligned with the bank’s stand to Lift participation by driving economic inclusion for women.
“We understand that entrepreneurship is a key source of employment and real income for women, making it a core engine for economic inclusion. We are therefore using our global network and digitisation to make it easier for businesses to access wider markets as we must remove any structural barriers so our local women-owned businesses can effectively participate in the global business ecosystem,” Global Head, Business Banking – Xie Wen disclosed on how Standard Chartered is accelerating women-led business across its network.
"There is a need for more solutions that enable economic inclusion among women. That is why we are launching SC WIN today. I am excited about how this proposition reaffirms our commitment to driving inclusive growth in our communities." – Judy Hsu pic.twitter.com/XAkp5Z03rG
— Standard Chartered (@StanChartKE) July 31, 2023
