Karachi: Visa (NYSE: V), world leader in digital payments together with HBL, Pakistan’s leading Bank announced five winners of Pakistan’s inaugural edition of She’s Next programme, Visa’s global platform dedicated to supporting women in their efforts to fund, run and grow their small businesses.

Winners included Ziana Sakhia, CEO cofounder of Bechlo, Sadaf Rehman cofounder of CodeSchool, Rida Zainab cofounder of Porter Pakistan and Ayesha Awan cofounder of SocialBlu. Programme also included People’s Favourite award, where members of public voted online for their favourite finalist, Hira Javaid, CEO of Foster Learning.

Winners were chosen from pool of almost 2,500 applicants from range of sectors including textiles, education, food and beverage, professional services, beauty and wellness within Pakistan.

Five winning woman-owned small businesses received $ 10,000 grant each, along with tailored training programme by Katalyst Labs and access to She’s Next Club where they will have access to multiple resources including workshop library and community of entrepreneurs for mentorship.

Jury evaluated entries based on progression of applicant’s entrepreneurial journey, robustness of their business metrics, their digital presence and demonstrated ability to confidently solve problems.

Members of jury included: Carl Manlan, Visa’s Vice President for Social Impact in Central Europe, Middle East and Africa, Maya Inayat Ismail Chief of Staff to Chairman and ?chairperson Sustainability Forum-HBL, Aatif Awan founder and Managing Partner of Indus Valley Capital and Sheema Sultan CEO of Core Gym.

Leila Serhan, senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for North Africa, Levant and Pakistan Visa said: “We are thrilled to announce winners of our inaugural edition of She’s Next in Pakistan and recognise ambition and confidence of these women entrepreneurs.

We had tough job selecting our finalists from almost 2,500 exemplary Pakistani women and our judges had an even harder job picking our winners tonight. This is just tip of iceberg and our hope is that we continue working with our partners to empower this inspiring community of women entrepreneurs.”

Aamir Kureshi Head Consumer, Agriculture and SME Banking-HBL, said, “HBL is proud to be exclusive partner of Visa for She’s Next global programme in Pakistan. Programme aims to support and empower women entrepreneurs on their path to financial success.

This initiative further supports HBL’s commitment to uplift women entrepreneurs in country. While we have five winners from 10 shortlisted, Bank acknowledges and celebrates exceptional spirit of all 2,500 applicants, each winner in their own right. HBL is committed to shaping financial industry of country.  In this regard, SME’s and in particular women businesses will remain key focus area for us.”

Since 2020, Visa has invested around $ 3.8 million in over 380 grants and coaching for women SMB owners through She’s Next grant programme globally including in US, Canada, India, Ireland, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Morocco.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 18 2024

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