HÀ NỘI — Standard Chartered has announced the launch of SC WIN (Women’s International Network), a global programme designed to empower women entrepreneurs by addressing financial and non-financial barriers to help their businesses thrive.

The launch event, held in HCM City, marks a significant milestone in the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth in Việt Nam, particularly for women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs).

SC WIN was established to provide comprehensive support to women entrepreneurs through three key pillars: delivering products tailored to various business development stages, creating platforms to connect markets, client communities, suppliers and entrepreneurs across different regions, and assisting SMEs in formulating development and expansion strategies. 

On the same day, Standard Chartered Vietnam signed a partnership with Softdreams, a leading digital platform that provides e-invoicing and digital enterprise management solutions for businesses. This collaboration introduces innovative digital lending solutions tailored for Softdreams clients and SC WIN beneficiaries over Softdreams’ platform, enabling seamless access to digital unsecured invoice financing with competitive interest rates and streamlined processes. By leveraging Softdreams’ digital capabilities and Standard Chartered’s financial expertise, this partnership aims to support the working capital needs of SMEs, driving business growth and financial inclusion.

Xie Wen, Global Head of SME Banking at Standard Chartered, said: “The launch of SC WIN in Việt Nam reflects our global commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, who are vital to driving economic growth and innovation.

"By combining tailored financial solutions with strategic partnerships, including with Softdreams, we are breaking down barriers and providing women-led SMEs with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. This initiative underscores Standard Chartered’s mission to foster sustainable and inclusive growth across our markets.”

Nguyễn Thúy Hạnh, CEO of Standard Chartered Vietnam, said: “Việt Nam’s private sector, particularly SMEs, plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic development, and the Vietnamese Government has been a strong advocate for fostering their growth.

"We are proud to support this vision through the launch of SC WIN and our partnership with Softdreams. By providing SMEs, especially women-led small and medium enterprises with access to innovative digital lending and global networks, we are helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for Việt Nam’s economy.”

Standard Chartered will invest more resources with a commitment to providing US$1 billion in financing to women entrepreneurs globally by 2028, helping them to reach new heights in their businesses and contribute to the economic and social development. — VNS