Standard Chartered Boosts Saudi Female Entrepreneurs with $45k Tech Start-Up Grants

Standard Chartered and Falak Business & Investment have announced they're kicking off the third instalment of their popular "Women and Technology" programme in Saudi Arabia, as part of the bank's global "Futuremakers" initiative. The programme is designed specifically to boost innovative tech start-ups run by female entrepreneurs, by offering participants a comprehensive eight-week training journey, along with no-strings-attached funding of up to $45,000.

This year's call-out is open to female-founded businesses specialising in digital solutions that can make a genuine difference to the Kingdom's economy. Under the motto "Innovate. Lead. Inspire.", the aim is clear: empowering Saudi women to become leaders and role models in the world of tech entrepreneurship. Local implementation is being spearheaded by Falak, a well-known player in fostering and supporting emerging ventures and start-ups across Saudi Arabia.

"Through this programme, we're continuing our commitment to champion female-driven innovation and deliver inclusive growth within the Kingdom," explained Mazen Al Bunyan, CEO of Standard Chartered in Saudi Arabia. He added that the initiative underpins the belief "that empowering diversity contributes decisively to better outcomes—not just for businesses but society overall. We're enormously proud to team up again with our implementing partner, Falak."

Previous years of the programme have certainly produced some enviable success stories. Among standout graduates is "Shefaa", a Saudi startup which secured funding totalling an impressive 5.25 million dollars, allowing it to broaden its services throughout the Kingdom. The programme has also propelled other promising startups on their paths to prominence, including winners like "Afsah" as well as "Ava" and "Tarkeez", who continue to grow within fintech and production technology sectors, respectively. Their achievements vividly highlight the real-world impact this programme has on women entrepreneurs, enabling their businesses to compete successfully on an international scale.

For those wondering what to expect, the upcoming eight-week progarmme promises intensive, high-quality workshops, personalised mentoring, practical business support, and invaluable networking opportunities with potential investors. And there's extra icing on the cake: the top three selected startups will each receive cash grants totalling $45,000, entirely without equity conditions.

Applications are open now and will run until 27 June 2025, with the training sessions scheduled to begin in early July. For female founders across the Kingdom who are keen to supercharge their businesses, this could be the perfect chance to follow in the footsteps of past participants who have paved the way towards entrepreneurial success.

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