Success in the startup world often comes from not just innovation, but also the power of community—and that’s exactly what happened in the latest round of the US Women in Tech Accelerator program.
This initiative, spearheaded by Village Capital (Washington, DC) in collaboration with Standard Chartered US (based in New York), recently concluded with a celebration of peer collaboration and support.
Community-Driven Selection Process Elevates Impactful Startups
Instead of traditional judging panels, this accelerator program leaned into a peer-driven selection model—where startup founders themselves chose which businesses were most deserving of support.
After weeks of collaboration and mutual evaluation, two standout companies rose to the top: Giving Credit and Imera.
Each received a $25,000 grant to help further their missions and scale their impact across the country.
Building Solutions for Real-World Challenges
The program assembled ten forward-thinking startups, each led by women determined to create solutions for critical issues—like financial access, housing, legal support, healthcare, and inclusive economic development.
Their collective focus was centered on empowering underserved communities, promoting economic mobility, and improving access to essential services for women and families nationwide.
A Closer Look at the Grant Recipients
Giving Credit, based in Malden, Massachusetts, is reimagining how people borrow and lend money.
By creating a trusted, social network-based platform for peer lending, the startup is making it easier for individuals to access credit with the help of friends and family—offering an alternative path to financial inclusion outside of traditional banking institutions.
Meanwhile, Imera, headquartered in New York City, is changing the game for immigrants in the United States.
With over 40 million immigrants in the country, Imera acts as a personalized, AI-powered guide that connects users to crucial services—whether it’s setting up a bank account, finding housing, navigating legal issues, or accessing healthcare.
More Than Just Funding—It’s About Long-Term Growth
The accelerator wasn’t just about handing out grants.
Participants went through an intensive, hands-on program designed to help them grow their companies, refine their missions, and expand their social impact.
The program emphasized the importance of inclusive job creation and reaching underserved populations through scalable, tech-enabled solutions.
What Comes Next?
Now that Giving Credit and Imera have secured their grants, their next steps involve further scaling their platforms, strengthening their operational capacities, and reaching more individuals and families who need them most.
With the momentum built during the accelerator, both startups are well-positioned to continue driving change where it’s needed most.