EBL, BYLC partner to support women entrepreneurs, financial inclusion

Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) and the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) have entered into a partnership to support the growth and financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs in the country.

M Khorshed Anowar, deputy managing director and head of retail and SME banking at EBL, and Habibullah Tamim, acting in-charge and senior manager at BYLC, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations at a ceremony held in Dhaka recently, according to a press release.

The collaboration aims to strengthen women-led businesses through a six-month initiative titled "Joyee 2.0" (Women Entrepreneurs' Growth and Access-to-Finance Programme).

Under the programme, 40 women entrepreneurs will receive structured training, mentorship, business growth support, financial management guidance, and loan-readiness development to scale their enterprises and secure access to formal financial services.

By combining BYLC's expertise in leadership and entrepreneurship development with EBL's focus on financial inclusion and small and medium enterprise (SME) growth, the initiative seeks to address key hurdles faced by women entrepreneurs, including access to business knowledge, networks, mentorship, and financing opportunities.

Tanzeri Hoque, head of priority and women banking; Md Shabu Munshi, head of SME business; and Shakil Ahmed Himel, associate manager of women banking at EBL, attended the signing ceremony.

Imtiaj Uddin Ahmed, senior manager of grants management and business development; Kazi Shams Imtiaz Barta, assistant manager of the office of professional development; and Farabi Muntasir, executive of the skills development programme at BYLC, were also present on the occasion.