Key Takeaways
- The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) launched the 'Home to Hub Initiative' at its Karachi office.
- Key partners include SMEDA, SBP, TDAP, and PSW, providing insights on business planning and funding opportunities.
- The initiative aims to transform women entrepreneurs from home-based beginners into export-ready leaders.
Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), hosted the inaugural 'Home to Hub Initiative' at FPCCI's head office in Karachi. The event marked a significant step towards formalizing and scaling women entrepreneurs’ businesses.
Sheikh highlighted that the initiative brings together established and emerging women entrepreneurs, university students, senior business mentors, and finance representatives. This diverse mix aims to provide actionable insights on business planning, funding opportunities, and global export facilitation.
S M Tanveer, Patron-in-Chief of UBG, emphasized the macroeconomic importance of the Home to Hub initiative. He stated that transitioning from informal home-based setups to structured hubs is crucial for women entrepreneurs' long-term integration into the mainstream commercial sector.
Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, reiterated the apex body's commitment to capacity building and ensuring emerging women entrepreneurs are not operating in isolation. Through structured networking, access to finance, and dedicated facilitation, FPCCI aims to bridge the gap between local innovation and global supply chains.
Abdul Mohamin Khan, VP & Regional Chairman Sindh, FPCCI, explained that the Home to Hub framework is designed to achieve six core outcomes: inspire, inform, connect, classify, register, and validate. These objectives are aimed at formalizing women's enterprises and providing direct pathways to international markets.
Qurrat Ul Ain, another VP of FPCCI, stressed the apex body’s foundational role in female economic empowerment. She highlighted that by formalizing these businesses and connecting them with international markets, they are driving critical, inclusive economic growth for Pakistan.
The initiative was spearheaded by Naheed Masud, Consultant on Women Entrepreneurs Affairs (Sindh Region) for FPCCI. Masud outlined the program roadmap during the concluding remarks of the event, emphasizing its potential to significantly impact women's participation in the commercial sector.
The transition from informal, home-based setups to structured, scalable hubs is vital.
S M Tanveer, Patron-in-Chief of UBG
Through structured networking, access to finance, and dedicated facilitation, FPCCI is committed to bridging the gap between local innovation and global supply chains.
Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI
