Standard Chartered and SG-WEN launch training programme for women entrepreneurs

The programme aims to equip women leaders with the essential skills in leadership, communication, board readiness, sustainability, and corporate governance.

The Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network (SG-WEN), in partnership with Standard Chartered, has launched a signature training programme for women entrepreneurs, called 'SC X SG-WEN RISE.' 

The launch was announced during SG-WEN's inaugural awards ceremony gala event that was held on 24 September 2024 (Tuesday), with 180 business leaders in audience. The event was graced by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat. 

Background on the programme 

In September 2024, SG-WEN conducted an opinion poll to understand the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Singapore. The results revealed that access to professional business networks and balancing business with family life are the top obstacles. 

More than half of the respondents believed it is more challenging for women to be entrepreneurs compared to their male counterparts. Issues such as perception bias and market access persist, yet 85% of respondents identified entrepreneur networks as the most beneficial resource, with nearly half benefiting from SG-WEN.

To address these challenges, SC x SG-WEN RISE was launched to empower women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. This year-long programme, supported by Standard Chartered, offers thought leadership dialogues, mentorship, and tailored financing solutions. 

In addition, the programme aims to equip women leaders with the essential skills in leadership, communication, board readiness, sustainability, and corporate governance. The programme is open to SG-WEN members, Singapore Business Federation, Standard Chartered clients, and Women-in-Business Committees within Singapore’s trade associations and chambers. 

Rachel Eng, Chairperson of SG-WEN, said: “Aligned with our joint vision, this programme works towards empowering women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and become more effective social entrepreneurs through both personal and professional development.

"Women entrepreneurs in Singapore continue to face challenges in their entrepreneurial efforts. They struggle with access to business networks, access to capital and perception bias. 

"We want to address these concerns through SC X SG-WEN RISE," she added. 

Teresa Tah, General Manager, SME Banking, Standard Chartered Singapore, added: “We strongly believe in empowering female entrepreneurs in Singapore through equitable access to financial services and opportunities to connect to a global network of like-minded entrepreneurs." 

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