The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs by improving their access to business development services, financing opportunities and domestic and international markets.
The commitment was highlighted during a session of the Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program in Karachi, held under the theme “Access to Opportunity: Enabling Women Entrepreneurs.” The event was organised by Pakistan Single Window (PSW) in collaboration with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Mashreq.
The session brought together representatives from SMEDA, the State Bank of Pakistan, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the IBA Centre for Entrepreneurship Development. Participants discussed ways to help women-led businesses navigate export procedures, meet regulatory requirements, access trade finance and expand their digital presence.
Representing SMEDA, Maqsood Nawaz, Manager Inclusion and Sustainable Development, outlined the authority’s initiatives to support women-owned enterprises. These include entrepreneurship training, business advisory services, digital facilitation and capacity-building programmes aimed at helping women formalise their businesses, improve operations and reach wider markets.
Nawaz said SMEDA also plays an active role in identifying and mobilising women entrepreneurs for the programme. The initiative seeks to connect eligible businesses with institutional guidance, market opportunities and resources needed to grow.
He noted that SMEDA’s continued engagement with the programme, including sessions in Lahore, Sialkot and Karachi, reflects its efforts to extend entrepreneurial opportunities to women across Pakistan, particularly those in underserved areas.
He also highlighted initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurship Portal, financial and digital literacy programmes, mentoring and business advisory services. These efforts aim to equip women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills and support required to strengthen their businesses and compete in broader markets.
Nawaz said SMEDA would continue collaborating with PSW and public- and private-sector partners to address gaps in information and business opportunities. The authority aims to strengthen women-led enterprises and encourage greater participation of women in the country’s economic development.
Syed Ali Qasim Gillani, Member of the National Assembly, attended the event as chief guest. Other participants included United Business Group Patron-in-Chief S. M. Tanveer, FPCCI Vice President Qurrat ul Ain and FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon.
