Visa and HBL Relaunch She’s Next in Pakistan

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, and HBL, Pakistan’s premier private sector bank, have announced the return of She’s Next, a global advocacy initiative spotlighting women entrepreneurs who are driving business growth and innovation. The program recognizes the critical role of women-led businesses as catalysts for economic and social development in Pakistan, combining resilience, social impact, and technology adoption.

In 2024, the program attracted over 2,500 applications, ultimately selecting five women entrepreneurs, including Ziana Sakhia (Bechlo), Sadaf Rehman (CodeSchool), Rida Zainab (Porter Pakistan), Ayesha Awan (SocialBlu), and Hira Javaid (Foster Learning). These winners collectively received USD 50,000 in funding, along with access to training and networking opportunities to scale their ventures.

Building on this success, She’s Next 2025 invites women entrepreneurs from all industries to apply for grants totaling USD 50,000, with each winner receiving USD 10,000. Beyond funding, winners will benefit from a tailored training program, mentorship, and exclusive access to She’s Next Club resources, including a workshop library and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Applications are open from today until December 24, 2025.

Umar S. Khan, Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan at Visa, emphasized the program’s impact: “She’s Next unlocks the boundless potential of every Pakistani woman, providing an essential stepping stone for women-led businesses to scale and expand. Our inaugural program drew over 2,500 applications, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit and growth ambition of women across the country. The winners’ businesses are thriving, driving digital transformation in sectors like fashion, health, education, and technology. We’re excited to bring She’s Next back and support the next cohort of winners.”

Khan also highlighted findings from the Visa & HBL Women SMB Digitization Index, noting that women entrepreneurs are motivated by financial independence and a desire to create supportive work environments. Many are embracing payment technologies and artificial intelligence to overcome challenges and drive growth, showcasing their progressive mindset and adaptability.

Aamir Kureshi, Head of Products Transactional Services & Solution Delivery at HBL, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs: “We are proud to renew our support for the She’s Next program. Women entrepreneurs actively seek mentorship, guidance, and training, and our aim this year is to expand programs that build skillsets for growth and success while connecting participants with a curated network of mentors. This is key to increasing their participation and impact on Pakistan’s economy.”

With She’s Next 2025, Visa and HBL continue to champion women-led businesses, empowering them with funding, knowledge, and mentorship to drive innovation, scale their ventures, and contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s economic growth. The program underscores a commitment to nurturing women entrepreneurs and fostering a thriving ecosystem for future business leaders.