The bank will select 10 women-led businesses from India for a 12-week accelerator programme focused on SME growth, mentorship, and cross-border expansion.
Standard Chartered has expanded its SC WIN Now & Next programme into India and the Greater Bay Area (GBA), as the foreign lender steps up support for women-led businesses and SME growth across international markets.
The initiative is being launched in partnership with LiftWomen following the programme’s inaugural edition in Hong Kong last year.
Applications for the 2026 edition are now open and will close on 12 June 2026.
The programme combines mentorship, business capability development, networking, and pitching opportunities aimed at helping women entrepreneurs scale operations and expand into international markets.
The expansion comes as women-led enterprises continue to gain momentum across India’s SME and startup ecosystem. According to government data, more than 3.07 crore women-led enterprises had been registered on the Udyam platform as of 28 February 2026.
Standard Chartered said the initiative is designed to support women entrepreneurs navigating international expansion, cross-border trade, and evolving business requirements.
Xie Wen said the programme reflects the bank’s broader focus on building a more inclusive SME ecosystem.
“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,” Xie Wen said.
The programme will select 10 women-led businesses each from India and the Greater Bay Area for an exclusive 12-week SC WIN Global Accelerator Programme.
Participants will receive mentorship, professional guidance, regional exposure, and access to Standard Chartered’s business and client network. The programme will also recognise participants across categories including Best SC WIN Business Award, Best Business for Good Award, Best International Business Award, and Best Next Gen Business Award.
Aditya Mandloi said SME banking continues to remain a strategic focus area for the bank in India.
“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,” Mandloi said.
“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,” he added.
The accelerator programme will be facilitated by LiftWomen, which will support programme delivery through mentorship sessions, speakers, and business content.
Irene Tsang said the partnership aims to strengthen opportunities available to women entrepreneurs across the region.
“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,” Tsang said.
Standard Chartered launched SC WIN in 2022 as a global platform supporting women-led SMEs through financing, business expertise, and international connectivity.
The bank said the network now includes more than 4,500 women-owned businesses across seven markets. It has also extended more than USD 540 million in financing through the initiative and remains on track to meet its USD 1 billion financing commitment by 2028.
For Indian applicants, eligibility requirements include at least 51% women ownership or at least 50% ownership by a woman founder, valid incorporation in India, and a minimum operating history of two years.
Last year’s programme recognised Lamia Sreya Rahman for developing an AI-powered wearable device designed for the visually impaired community.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Chartered has expanded its SC WIN programme into India and the Greater Bay Area
- Applications for the accelerator programme close on 12 June 2026
- 10 women-led businesses from India will be selected
- SC WIN has supported over 4,500 women-owned businesses globally
- The bank has extended more than USD 540 million in financing through the initiative