Habib Bank Limited (HBL), in collaboration with Visa, has launched ‘She’s Next Pakistan’, a new initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and advancing gender-inclusive growth in the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The programme provides a $10,000 grant to selected women-led businesses, designed to help them scale operations, improve financial stability, and integrate digital solutions into their business models.
‘She’s Next Pakistan’ represents the local chapter of Visa’s global initiative that has supported women business owners in various markets worldwide. By bringing this programme to Pakistan, Visa and HBL aim to promote financial inclusion, strengthen women-led enterprises, and highlight the importance of gender equity in the nation’s business landscape.
The launch was officially announced on LinkedIn through HBL’s page, where the bank expressed its enthusiasm for the collaboration and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering women entrepreneurship. The initiative encourages women founders and small business owners to step forward, benefit from structured financial assistance, and gain visibility across both traditional and digital platforms.
Visa’s ‘She’s Next’ programme has been recognized globally for helping women entrepreneurs overcome business challenges such as limited access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The initiative’s entry into Pakistan comes at a crucial time, as the country’s startup and SME sectors witness increased participation from women, yet continue to face constraints in funding and scalability.
Through this partnership, HBL and Visa are not only providing monetary support but also creating an ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can thrive through access to mentorship, skill development, and technology-driven financial tools. The programme aligns with Pakistan’s broader efforts to promote entrepreneurship, digital payments, and women’s economic participation, particularly within emerging industries like fintech, e-commerce, and digital retail.
The $10,000 grant under She’s Next Pakistan will serve as both seed capital and a recognition of women entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and impact across various sectors. By equipping participants with the resources and knowledge needed to sustain long-term business growth, the initiative aims to contribute to the expansion of a more inclusive digital economy in Pakistan.
HBL’s involvement in this initiative reinforces its vision of supporting women-led enterprises through access to finance and market opportunities, while Visa’s global expertise brings valuable experience in empowering small businesses worldwide. Together, the collaboration marks an important step toward building a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem where women can lead, innovate, and grow confidently.
For additional information on the programme and eligibility details, interested entrepreneurs can visit Business Recorder’s coverage of She’s Next Pakistan.
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