Visa’s She’s Next program is revolutionizing Pakistan’s business landscape by empowering women entrepreneurs. In a country where women’s participation in the workforce remains low, this initiative provides crucial funding, training and mentorship to women-owned small businesses.
The program’s inaugural edition in Pakistan, launched in partnership with HBL, has already made waves by awarding grants worth $50,000 to five women-led businesses. CodeSchool, Foster Learning, SocialBu, Bechlo.pk and Porter Pakistan are transforming industries ranging from education to e-commerce and travel.
CodeSchool, co-founded by Sadaf Rehman, aims to make coding accessible and fun for Pakistani youth. Rehman’s experience with her son’s programming class sparked a mission to revolutionize coding education. CodeSchool provides instructors from Pakistan, screened and certified to teach their curriculum. The She’s Next grant enabled CodeSchool to expand its teacher training program, launching low-cost pilots in Karachi and Lahore.
Foster Learning, co-founded by Hira Javaid, addresses Pakistan’s skills gap through digitized education and skills-based training. Javaid recognized educational disparities in southern Punjab, prompting Foster Learning’s flagship program teaching leadership and entrepreneurship. Their bilingual curriculum and industry partnerships guarantee internships. The She’s Next grant enhanced Foster Learning’s technology infrastructure, marketing and training programs, aiming to reach 110 cities nationwide.
SocialBu, co-founded by Ayesha Awan, streamlines social media management with AI-powered automation tools. Awan recognized businesses’ struggles managing multiple social media accounts. SocialBu’s platform simplifies this process, empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly women. The She’s Next grant accelerated product development and AI-driven features.
Bechlo.pk, co-founded by Ziana Sakhia, democratizes e-commerce for women. Sakhia identified challenges in Facebook buying/selling groups, creating a secure platform for women sellers. (link unavailable) connects buyers and sellers, handling marketing and customer service. The She’s Next grant enhanced their website, user experience and seller training.
Porter Pakistan, co-founded by Rida Zainab, innovates travel planning with an online platform. Zainab’s platform offers experience planning and booking services, partnering with 600 providers nationwide. The She’s Next grant improved Porter Pakistan’s technical capabilities, launching their app and investing in marketing and content creation.
While financial support is crucial, She’s Next provides invaluable mentorship, training and networking opportunities. Mentorship sessions offer fresh perspectives, guidance and credibility. These women entrepreneurs face unique challenges, including raising capital and overcoming societal misconceptions. Despite these hurdles, they remain optimistic about Pakistan’s potential.
Pakistan’s large, young population and digital transformation create opportunities for women entrepreneurs. She’s Next taps into this potential, fostering economic growth. These women are reshaping industries, empowering others and laying groundwork for a diverse business ecosystem. Visa’s initiative catalyzes change, ensuring brighter futures for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.
