Standard Chartered has announced the launch of a new programme, Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment and Entrepreneurship (RISE/E) as part of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, the Bank’s global youth economic empowerment initiative to provide skills development opportunities to boost employability and business training to encourage entrepreneurship.

RISE/E will be delivered by Challenges Ghana and Sightsavers, who will work together to develop vibrant, growing, employability pathways for young people and strengthen microbusinesses, supporting entrepreneurs with (and without) disabilities to grow their businesses, access finance, and stimulate job creation.

RISE/E will develop a talent pool of appropriately skilled, employment-ready young people (specifically those with disabilities) with the skills to fill these jobs, and other identified employment opportunities in their communities.

Over the period, the programme will work with about 100 entrepreneurs, 50% of which should be persons living with disability. The same ratio is expected of women. The programme is anticipated to create almost 150 jobs.  

Speaking at the launch Mansa Nettey, Chief Executive, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC said, “We have seen the difference investing in small businesses can make on the wider economy. We are positive that by bringing in a more diverse group of beneficiaries we will extend the gains made in our community impact programmes.”

“The RISE/E project will support disadvantaged young people and entrepreneurs with or without disability access the skills, network and opportunities they need to secure employment, or to start or grow a microbusiness.” she added.

The programme is open to young people aged 18 -35 operating micro business in Accra for a minimum of 2 years with at least 2 staff including business owner and the business should address environmental, climatic, or social issues.

Through Futuremakers, we are championing economic inclusion for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Investing in girls and young women brings greater prosperity to the communities in which we operate.