Hajra Naz
Mobilink Bank is Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank. It is boosting support for women’s economic growth. The bank is introducing the first sector-specific incubation program for female entrepreneurs in the nation. The Women Inspirational Network (WIN) program includes this effort. 25 female businesses will benefit from the WIN Incubator. It will provide knowledge in idea development, planning, management, financial skills, and marketing.
The startups that complete the program will gain access to a professional network and receive Bint-e-Hawwa loans to support their businesses. The most promising startups will have the chance to compete for a PKR 4 million investment to help bring their ideas to reality.
Mobilink Bank is a member of the VEON group, a global digital operator serving nearly 160 million customers across six diverse markets, representing 7% of the world’s population.
The WIN incubator will be run by Sumera Abbasi, the Executive Director of TiE Islamabad and a well-known figure in Pakistan’s startup community.
“With our WIN Incubator program, Mobilink Bank is transforming the entrepreneurial landscape in Pakistan,” stated Mobilink Bank’s interim CEO, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary.
“This program aims to remove obstacles for small women-owned businesses. We provide essential tools and resources. Through mentorship and training, we help women turn their dreams into successful businesses. Our goal is to contribute to the country’s economic growth. We start with 25 participants and hope to support thousands of women entrepreneurs in the future.”
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Sumera Abbasi, Executive Director of TiE Islamabad, added: “The WIN Incubator is meant to help women entrepreneurs by giving them the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. It acts as a launchpad for turning their ideas into successful businesses. With comprehensive training, mentorship, and financial resources from Mobilink Microfinance Bank, we aim to build confidence and skills for navigating the business world and driving economic growth. I look forward to seeing the amazing progress of these 25 talented women and their impact on the economy.”
Understanding the untapped potential of women-led SMEs for economic growth, WIN offers a complete approach to support them. The program provides financial solutions and skills development tailored to the specific needs of women entrepreneurs. Through targeted workshops and training, WIN has already helped over 5000 women gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to succeed in business.
The Bank has a 25% female loan customer base and has seen a 38% yearly growth in its women’s loan portfolio. Of the Bank’s total loan portfolio, 22% supports agriculture, with 16% of agri-business loans going to women-owned businesses. This focused approach highlights Mobilink Bank’s commitment to creating a more inclusive economy where women can thrive as entrepreneurs and contribute to national progress.
