HBL in partnership with Visa has announced the winners of the 2026 edition of the She’s Next Pakistan program, a women‑focused entrepreneurship initiative aimed at providing financial support, tailored training, and expanded mentorship opportunities to women‑led enterprises across the country. The latest cohort of winners was selected from a competitive pool of almost 3,500 applicants from diverse sectors including education, waste management, gaming, beauty, and healthcare, highlighting the depth of entrepreneurial energy among women business owners in Pakistan.
The five winning women entrepreneurs each received a USD 10,000 grant, access to a structured training program, mentoring opportunities, and membership in the She’s Next Club, which offers ongoing support through community resources and workshop libraries designed to help founders scale their ventures and navigate growth challenges with confidence.
The winners reflect a broad range of industries and business models, demonstrating the varied contributions women entrepreneurs are making to Pakistan’s economy. The winning founders include Aiman Shafique, founder of EV Square, which focuses on electric vehicle solutions; Anusha Fatima, founder of TrashIt and recipient of the Sustainability Award for her work in sustainable waste management; Fizza Hussain, founder of Khaas Foodz Kitchen, which operates in the food sector; Maira Siddiqui, founder of Chiragh Education Technologies, which addresses gaps in edtech; and Meesha Baig, founder of Goud, a venture contributing to lifestyle and consumer solutions.
The She’s Next Pakistan program is part of Visa’s global advocacy platform that aims to support women entrepreneurs by offering financial grants, practical business training, mentorship connections, and peer community access. HBL serves as the local delivery partner, playing a central role in implementing the initiative in Pakistan and enabling women founders to access tools and networks crucial for business development and long-term sustainability.
The rigorous selection process evaluated applications based on factors such as entrepreneurial journey progression, robustness of business metrics, digital presence, and demonstrated problem-solving capabilities. A diverse jury of industry experts reviewed the submissions to identify ventures with strong potential for growth and impact.
In addition to the core grant and training benefits, winners now join the She’s Next Club, where they can tap into ongoing support that includes workshops, mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and professionals, and connections to a wider ecosystem of peers and resources. This community aspect aims to create sustained engagement and shared learning among women leaders, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that underpins the program’s mission.
For HBL and Visa, the She’s Next initiative represents a sustained commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in Pakistan, bridging gaps in access to finance and expertise, and fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment. By spotlighting women-led businesses and providing them with tangible support mechanisms, the program contributes to broader efforts to enhance economic participation and drive innovation across sectors.
The announcement of the 2026 winners continues a legacy of supporting women entrepreneurs, following earlier editions where similar support helped founders refine business strategies, boost digital adoption, and expand market opportunities. As women-led startups continue to grow in number and impact, initiatives like She’s Next aim to amplify their contributions to Pakistan’s evolving business landscape.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
