Ipoteka Bank is currently carrying out large-scale initiatives to enhance the socio-political and economic involvement of women by extending financial support and encouraging their participation in entrepreneurship. Notably, the bank has collaborated with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to secure a $10mn loan, marking the first such agreement in Uzbekistan under the Women in Business in Central Asia program. This funding has supported the projects of 106 women entrepreneurs.
As of June 1, of this year, the bank's branches cater to over 50,000 small businesses, with more than 13,000 being women-led enterprises. The bank has also facilitated the creation of numerous new jobs by allocating loans totaling UZS80.2bn to support these women entrepreneurs.
In alignment with its commitment to bolstering the position of women entrepreneurs in society, Ipoteka Bank recently organized a seminar in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Association of Businesswomen “Tadbirkor Ayol” at the Hilton Tashkent City Hotel. The seminar, titled “Prospects for Digitalization and the Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship,” was inaugurated by Kamola Sobirova, Advisor to the Minister for Development of Information Technologies and Communications of Uzbekistan.
Kamola Sobirova emphasized the significance of financing and empowering women in the region, particularly in addressing the challenges that arise during the digitalization of business sectors.
During the seminar, Bekzod Mirzaev, Director of the Directorate of Small and Medium Business of JSCMB Ipoteka Bank, highlighted the bank's steadfast support for projects led by women entrepreneurs. Additionally, he announced that, pursuant to the partnership agreement between Ipoteka Bank and the EBRD, $3mn will be earmarked for the digitalization of entrepreneurship this year.
The event featured presentations from invited speakers from partner organizations, including the EBRD and the International Association of Businesswomen “Tadbirkor Ayol,” as well as from women entrepreneurs themselves. These presentations covered the potential for women entrepreneurs to establish a global presence through digitalization of their businesses and introduced the online platform "ANOR," designed to enhance women's entrepreneurial activities.
The seminar also provided a platform for aspiring women entrepreneurs to receive guidance from established women entrepreneurs on various aspects of business operations, such as organizing activities, developing business plans, maintaining accounting records, and leveraging modern information technologies and digitalization to enhance sales efficiency.
Furthermore, attendees gained insights into the banking products and services offered by Ipoteka Bank to bolster women's entrepreneurship and engaged in productive discussions.
It is anticipated that this seminar will significantly improve the lives of many women in society by facilitating the commencement and progression of their entrepreneurial endeavors, as well as contributing to the stable development of family economies.
Additionally, soon, Ipoteka Bank is set to sign a $20mn agreement with IFC, with 25% of the funds earmarked for financing women's entrepreneurship.
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