- Standard Chartered and LIFTWOMEN® expand SC WIN Now & Next flagship programme into India and the Greater Bay Area to support women entrepreneurs
The 2026 SC WIN Now & Next Programme 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. The application window for participating in this programme is now open and will close on Friday 12 June 2026.
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. Specific to India, more than 3.07 crore women-led enterprises have been registered on the government’s Udyam platform as of February 28, 2026.
Xie Wen, Global Head, SME Banking, Standard Chartered, said, “We are delighted to expand our flagship SC WIN Now & Next programme into India and the Greater Bay Area, 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.”
Aditya Mandloi, MD & Head, Wealth and Retail Banking, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered said, Our SME Banking business is a strategic priority for Standard Chartered globally and a key growth engine for our India franchise. We have one of the largest SME footprints across foreign banks in India. As SME formation and entrepreneurship continue to accelerate, there is a clear need to support business owners holistically, addressing both their business and personal wealth needs. By addressing these integrated needs, we play a meaningful role in fostering a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy. This aligns with our vision to deliver comprehensive banking solutions that empower women entrepreneurs to thrive in an increasingly dynamic market. By offering tailored support and resources, we are committed to helping women-led SMEs achieve long-term success and contribute to broader economic prosperity in India and beyond. SC WIN Now & Next is one of the key initiatives that we are launching this year to support this meaningful ambition.
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 10 ambitious women-led businesses each from India and the GBA to participate in an exclusive 12-week SC WIN Global Accelerator Programme, with awards recognising outstanding women-led businesses across the participating markets. As part of this initiative, LiftWomen will run the accelerator programme by facilitating the sessions, contributing content, speakers and mentors.
Irene Tsang, Founder and CEO, LiftWomen® —We’re excited and proud to partner with Standard Chartered for the second year, now expanding into India and the GBA. 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.
With the Now & Next Programme 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 Programme – Overview:
| Eligibility | Women entrepreneurs and business owners (including startups and SMEs seeking expansion) |
| Entry Criteria for India | ≥ 51% shareholdings owned by women OR ≥ 50% shareholdings owned by a woman founder Incorporated in India with valid Business Registration (BR) The company must have been established for at least two years in India |
| Application Period | Tuesday, 28 April 2026 – Friday, 12 June 2026 |
| Selection Process | The organiser will shortlist at least 30 applications, from which 10 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 |
– Ends –
For further information please contact:
| Rahul Virkar Head – External Communications Standard Chartered Bank, India Email: rahul.virkar@sc.com | Rajiv Banerjee Head - Communications, India and South Asia Standard Chartered Bank Email: rajiv.banerjee@sc.com |
Note to editors
Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered Bank has been operating in India with a continuous presence of over 165 years making it one of the oldest foreign banks in the country offering a full range of services across business segments including Corporate and Investment Banking and Wealth and Retail Banking. The Bank has an extensive branch network covering major cities. For more information, visit https://www.sc.com/in/
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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 democratise 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.
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