In a significant boost for Pakistan's entrepreneurial landscape, global digital payments leader Visa, in partnership with HBL, the country's premier private bank, has announced the highly anticipated return of the She's Next advocacy program. This global initiative is dedicated to empowering and spotlighting women entrepreneurs who are actively financing, managing, and expanding their businesses across the nation.
Celebrating Success and Fueling Future Growth
The program's previous edition in 2024 demonstrated the immense potential of Pakistani women, attracting over 2,500 applications. This overwhelming response culminated in the selection of five outstanding winners: Ziana Sakhia (Bechlo), Sadaf Rehman (CodeSchool), Rida Zainab (Porter Pakistan), Ayesha Awan (SocialBlu), and Hira Javaid (Foster Learning). These trailblazers collectively secured funding worth USD 50,000, alongside invaluable training and networking opportunities, enabling their businesses to thrive in sectors like fashion, health, education, and technology.
Building on this success, the 2025 chapter of She's Next is once again inviting women entrepreneurs from all industries and sectors in Pakistan to step forward. The program offers another chance to win a share of USD 50,000 in grants, with each winner receiving USD 10,000 to scale their operations.
Beyond Funding: A Holistic Support System
The benefits extend far beyond financial aid. Winners will gain access to a comprehensive support package designed for long-term success. This includes a tailored training program, one-on-one mentoring opportunities, and membership to the exclusive She's Next Club. The club provides resources such as a workshop library and a vibrant community of fellow entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and continuous learning.
Applications are officially open from today and will remain so until December 24, 2025. Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official program website.
Leadership Perspectives on Empowerment
Umar S. Khan, Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan at Visa, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "She’s Next is unlocking the boundless potential of every Pakistani woman, providing the essential steppingstone for women-led businesses to scale and expand collectively." He highlighted the program's real impact, noting that the 2024 winners are successfully driving digital transformation in their respective fields. Khan also referenced the latest Visa & HBL Women SMB Digitization Index, which reveals that women entrepreneurs are increasingly leveraging payment technologies and artificial intelligence to overcome obstacles, showcasing a progressive and resilient mindset.
Echoing this commitment, Aamir Kureshi, Head of Products Transactional Services & Solution Delivery at HBL, said, "We are proud to renew our support for the She’s Next global advocacy program again this year." He emphasized HBL's dedication to increasing women's participation in the economy and revealed that, based on the Index's findings, the bank plans to intensify efforts in providing relevant skill-building programs and connecting entrepreneurs with a carefully curated network of mentors.
