Socioeconomic challengeDespite comprising 30% of entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia, women receive only 8% of venture capital funding, revealing a significant gender gap in economic inclusion. The Women in Entrepreneurship (WiE) programme aims to bridge this gap by providing female entrepreneurs with essential resources, mentorship and funding. Operating in seven markets across Asia, the programme supports female-led startups focused on social impact.  Purpose and strategyAs an international bank, Standard Chartered is dedicated to driving commerce and prosperity through diversity, encapsulated in its promise to be "here for good." The Women in Entrepreneurship (WiE) programme reflects this commitment by enhancing economic participation for women. WiE empowers disadvantaged young people to learn, earn and thrive as part of the broader Future Makers initiative. The programme specifically addresses the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face, offering access to business expertise, mentorship, networking opportunities and seed funding to nurture the growth of social enterprises.  Impact and innovationSince its launch, WiE has made a significant impact across Southeast Asia. In 2023, the programme supported 19 female-led startups in markets including Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, with each receiving seed funding to advance their business ideas. In South Korea, 20 teams received intensive entrepreneurship training, creating 51 new jobs. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s programme focused on startups tackling social issues like environmental sustainability and animal welfare, with 30 teams completing the programme.WiE has fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing across markets, with past winners mentoring new participants and networking with peers from other countries. In Singapore, WiE aligned with International Women’s Day, celebrating the achievements of female entrepreneurs and raising awareness of their contributions to the economy. Standard Chartered’s employees have played a key role in mentoring participants, sharing their expertise to help startups succeed.  Future outlookStandard Chartered is committed to expanding the WiE programme to support more female entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia. By 2030, the Futuremakers initiative aims to create and sustain 140,000 jobs, focusing on women and people with disabilities. WiE will continue to serve as the flagship entrepreneurship programme in the region, providing participants with long-term support and new opportunities to grow.  The bank plans to expand the programme to other markets, leveraging its resources and networks to uplift female entrepreneurs and create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Standard Chartered remains dedicated to refining and scaling WiE to maximise its impact across the region.