In a world where women continue to break barriers and shatter glass ceilings, the future for female entrepreneurs in Malaysia is looking brighter than ever. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered and Mereka Innovative Education (Mereka), a new initiative has emerged that promises to transform the entrepreneurial landscape for women. Say hello to the Women in Entrepreneurship (WiE) Programme.
A New Dawn for Women-Led Organisations
The official inauguration of the WiE Programme took place on Monday, September 11, 2023, at Mereka Space, Publika Shopping Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Mdm. Noor Afifah binti Abdul Razak, Deputy Secretary General (Policy and Monitoring) of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD), did the honours. It marked the beginning of a groundbreaking journey aimed at empowering women-led organisations in Malaysia.
Unlocking the Potential
WiE is a unique opportunity for women-led organisations with a minimum viable product (MVP) and a clear business model. The program offers a comprehensive package, including webinars, pitching sessions, and a highly competitive selection process that will choose only 20 teams to participate in the intensive bootcamp.
But the real game-changer is the promise of seed funding. The top five winning teams will share a pool of USD 100,000 to fuel their entrepreneurial dreams. Beyond the financial boost, they will embark on a six-month mentorship journey guided by experienced mentors in the entrepreneurship field.
A Vision for Economic Growth
“We believe that women entrepreneurs have enormous potential to drive economic growth and innovation in Malaysia,” said Mohd Suhaimi Abdul Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Saadiq Malaysia. Indeed, this initiative couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. The pandemic forced more than 176,000 entrepreneurs in Malaysia to close their businesses. WiE aims to provide women with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to not only survive but thrive.
Since 2020, Standard Chartered has committed USD 25 million to support youth-focused economic recovery projects as part of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered. Their partnership with Mereka for WiE demonstrates a dedicated effort to empower women in business.
Championing Women’s Empowerment
Juliana Adam, Director of Mereka and Chief Executive Officer of Biji-biji Initiative, emphasised the importance of this initiative, saying, “Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in accessing the support and funding they need to launch and grow their businesses. WiE is designed to address these obstacles by providing women entrepreneurs with access to essential resources and mentorship.”
She also highlighted that by supporting women-led businesses, we can not only help them unlock their full potential but also drive positive change and economic growth in communities across Malaysia. Furthermore, empowering women entrepreneurs can play a pivotal role in closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship and promoting gender equality in our society.
Join the Movement
The WiE Programme is now open for applications. If you are part of a women-led organisation with a vision and a clear path forward, this is your chance to turn your dreams into reality. You can apply for the Women in Entrepreneurship Programme via the official website at https://wie.mereka.my/.
In a world where dreams are the seeds of innovation and progress, WiE is watering the soil, nurturing the aspirations of women entrepreneurs, and watching them flourish. This initiative is not just about business; it’s about empowerment, equality, and a brighter future for women in Malaysia. Embrace the opportunity, and let your entrepreneurial journey begin.
