Standard Chartered Pakistan Launches Women in Tech Program

Standard Chartered Pakistan has launched a new program to support women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. The program, titled #SCWomenInTech, will provide financial support to female-led tech-enabled businesses. The support is not limited to seed grant though, the bank will also provide mentorship and training to help them scale their businesses.

Standard Chartered has partners with INNOVentures for Women in Tech program. The program is targeted at early to mid-stage professionals from technology and business sectors.

An Excellent Initiative

This is a great initiative by Standard Chartered Bank. With this program, the bank has chartered into a territory never really explored in Pakistan: targeting women in tech. The bank will provide necessary support to small businesses led by women that will help them scale and be investment ready.

Here’s an amazing video launching the program:

Program Objectives

PKR 1.5 Million Seed Grant

Selected candidates will get PKR 1.5 million funding from Standard Chartered Pakistan. The goal of the program is to create more diversity in tech by equipping women with necessary entrepreneurial and leadership expertise. Some of the objectives of the program are to provide selected women-led businesses with:

• PKR 1.5 million seed grant
• Technology support
• Capacity building
• Mentoring sessions to help improve the required skills
• Role-modeling sessions to enhance leadership skills

So, the financial support aside, these added benefits will surely groom selected women to succeed at their ventures. To keep the program targeted, the bank has made sure that only women-led businesses can apply. Here are the eligibility requirements:

Eligibility for SCWomenInTech Program

• Female-led businesses, 1/3rd of the founders should be women
• Women founder(s) should have been in business for at least 1 year
• Must be a technology venture, or a traditional business seeking to use tech
• Business must have an initial plan to scale/grow using tech
• Must have a need for funding. Standard Chartered’s investment in venture must make a material difference.

SC Women in Tech Program: Dates to Remember

If you wish to apply for Standard Chartered Women in Tech Program, and meet the criteria mention above, make note of the important dates below:

This program will surely help budding women entrepreneurs succeed. To learn more about the program, download the poster or visit the website the official website of Standard Chartered women in tech: scwomenintech.com.pk.

You think you’re eligible for the program and have a business idea that could use some support, apply online today.