WIN Incubator: Mobilink’s New Initiative for Women Entrepreneurs
— July 31, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Mobilink Bank, Pakistan’s pioneering digital microfinance bank, has unveiled the country’s first-ever industry-specific incubation program exclusively designed for women entrepreneurs. This trailblazing initiative is a testament to the bank’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment and fostering a more inclusive economy.
The WIN Incubator program, a flagship initiative under the bank’s Women Inspirational Network (WIN) program, aims to empower 25 women entrepreneurs by equipping them with comprehensive knowledge in core business areas, including idea generation, planning, business management, financial literacy, and marketing. The program’s graduating startups will gain access to a professional network and guaranteed Bint-e-Hawwa loans to fuel their ventures, with the most promising startups competing for a PKR 4 million investment.
A New Era of Women’s Entrepreneurship
Mobilink Bank’s interim CEO, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, hailed the launch as a transformative moment for Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape. “Our WIN Incubator program is a beacon of hope for small women-owned businesses, providing them with the essential tools and resources to break barriers and succeed. We are committed to empowering thousands of women entrepreneurs in the coming years, significantly contributing to the country’s economic development,” he said.
Sumera Abbasi, Executive Director of TiE Islamabad and a renowned leader in the Pakistani startup ecosystem, has been appointed to lead the WIN incubator. “The WIN Incubator serves as a launchpad for women to transform their ideas into thriving enterprises, driving meaningful economic growth and societal impact,” she said.
A Holistic Approach to Empowerment
Mobilink Bank’s WIN program recognizes the untapped potential of women-led SMEs as a catalyst for economic growth, offering a comprehensive approach to empowerment. With a 25% female loan customer base and 38% year-over-year growth in its women’s loan portfolio, the bank is dedicated to fostering an inclusive economy where women can flourish as entrepreneurs and contribute meaningfully to national growth