Press release
Standard Chartered and LIFTWOMEN® expand SC WIN Now & Next Challenge into the Greater Bay Area and India to support women entrepreneurs
Standard Chartered (the “Bank”) and LIFTWOMEN® today announced the expansion of the Bank’s flagship Standard Chartered Women’s International Network (SC WIN) Now & Next Challenge into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and India. This builds on the success of last year’s inaugural edition in Hong Kong and underscores the Bank’s commitment to driving global connectivity and supporting women entrepreneurs across major international markets.
The 2026 SC WIN Now & Next Challenge leverages the Bank’s global SC WIN network, resources, and deep expertise in supporting women entrepreneurs. It combines a pitch format with a structured capability-building programme designed to accelerate growth at different stages of business development.
This expansion comes amid a significant shift in the global entrepreneurial landscape, with women founders accounting for a growing proportion of new businesses globally. As many of these enterprises lead in areas such as digital trade and sustainable technology, the programme offers a platform for female founders to navigate the complexities of international expansion and cross-border logistics, helping women-led SMEs capture growth opportunities.
Xie Wen, Global Head, SME Banking, Standard Chartered, said, “We are delighted to expand our flagship SC WIN Now & Next initiative into the Greater Bay Area and India, reinforcing our long-term commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and building a more inclusive SME ecosystem. Through SC WIN, we bring together capability building, access to financing and cross-border connectivity, to empower women-led businesses to scale with confidence and play a bigger role in driving sustainable growth.”
The programme champions women leaders through a rigorous and engaging programme that builds essential business skills, supports business scaling, and connects participants to a powerful ecosystem of mentors, peers and partners. Entrepreneurs gain market-relevant insights, access to cross-border platforms, and opportunities to scale internationally.
The programme will select 20 ambitious women-led businesses from the GBA and India to participate in an exclusive 12-week SC WIN Global Accelerator Programme, with awards recognising outstanding women-led businesses across the participating markets.
Irene Tsang, Founder and CEO, LiftWomen®, said, “We’re excited and proud to partner with Standard Chartered for the second year, now expanding into the GBA and India. LIFTWOMEN’s mission aligns perfectly with Standard Chartered’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs. By combining our strengths, we are making a meaningful impact. We look forward to building on this strong momentum together this year.”
Last year, Lamia Sreya Rahman, Co-Founder and COO of Vidi Labs (Seekr) was awarded Venture of the Year for her AI-powered wearable device developed in close collaboration with and for the visually impaired community. Four additional entrepreneurs received category awards recognising innovation, international ambition, social impact, and community support. Award recipients continue to receive dedicated mentorship and regional networking opportunities through the SC WIN community.
Lamia Sreya Rahman, Vidi Labs (Seekr), said, “Winning SC WIN Venture of the Year unlocked significant opportunities and accelerated our growth. In a market where access to assistive technology funding is limited, trust is critical. Standard Chartered’s recognition strengthened our credibility, opened doors in new markets – including the US – and enabled us to deepen B2B partnerships across aviation, hospitality, and NGOs, driving sustainable growth beyond Hong Kong.”
With the Now & Next Challenge as its flagship initiative, SC WIN is the Bank’s global programme supporting women-led SMEs with access to financing, expertise and global networks, helping them scale beyond their home markets. Since its launch in 2022, SC WIN has grown into a network of more than 4,500 women-owned businesses across seven markets. With over USD540 million in financing extended to date, it is on track to deliver on its USD1 billion financing commitment by 2028.
SC WIN Now & Next Challenge – Programme Overview:
| Eligibility | Women entrepreneurs and business owners (including startups and SMEs seeking expansion) |
| Entry Criteria | ≥ 51% shareholdings owned by women OR ≥ 50% shareholdings owned by a woman founder Incorporated in Hong Kong or India with valid Business Registration (BR) The company must have been established for at least one year in Hong Kong or at least two years in India |
| Application Period | Tuesday, 28 April 2026 – Friday, 12 June 2026 |
| Selection Process | The organiser will shortlist at least 60 applications, from which 20 finalists will be selected through online interviews to participate in the SC WIN Global Accelerator Programme and final pitch. |
| Awards | Best SC WIN Business Award Best Business for Good Award Best International Business Award Best Next Gen Business Award |
| Professional Support | Each finalist will receive dedicated mentorship and professional guidance Regional Exposure: Spotlight across Standard Chartered’s global social and business channels Strategic Networking: Access to markets, clients, and suppliers across the Standard Chartered network Finalists will have the opportunity to join the SC WIN Community, expanding business connections and collaboration opportunities |
For further information please contact:
LiftWomen®
LIFTWOMEN® is Asia-Pacific’s first and leading women-focused crowdfunding platform and global network, empowering women and girls to start, grow, and scale their businesses. Through accessible funding, tailored coaching, and international mentorship, we bridge the gender funding gap and create transformative opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive.
Our mission is to democratize access to funding, equipping women worldwide with the tools, resources, and networks to build sustainable, scalable, and profitable businesses. We envision a future where every woman and girl has equitable access to funding and opportunities to realize their entrepreneurial dreams and unlock their full potential.