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Beaconhouse National University (BNU), a prominent not-for-profit Liberal Arts University in Pakistan, has formally announced its partnership with DigitalOcean LLC, a developer cloud customized for startups and growing digital enterprises.
This collaboration is strategically focused on fostering inclusive entrepreneurship, aiming to create equitable opportunities and support underrepresented entrepreneurs in Pakistan. This transformative partnership is dedicated to empowering and supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs in Pakistan.
This philanthropic initiative, with a focus on inclusive entrepreneurship, aims to create fair opportunities, particularly emphasizing the growth of women entrepreneurs nationwide.
Launched through a thorough selection process that involved a nationwide call for funding proposals, the response was overwhelming, resulting in the submission of 11 proposals. After a rigorous evaluation, two standout recipients of this initiative were selected: Behbud and Weecommerce, both non-profit and social enterprises operating in Pakistan. This initiative is designed to propel inclusive entrepreneurship in regions facing challenges.
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Behbud’s mission is women empowerment across the nation by providing them access to health, education, income generation, and vocational training, irrespective of their social or racial backgrounds. Weecommerce, since its inception, has successfully launched over 40 websites for women-led businesses, enabling them to operate from the comfort of their homes. The focus of both partners is to broaden the areas of learning as much as possible.
Sabeen Khan, Program Lead at Weecommerce, expressed excitement about expanding the impact on Women Empowerment in the field of technology with the support of DigitalOcean and BNU. Bushra Prevaiz Kausar, Honorary Senior Vice President of Behbud Association in Karachi, emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative, aiming to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of women artisans.
In a display of unwavering commitment, DigitalOcean and BNU plan to make significant investments over the next two years (2024-2025) to fuel the growth and success of entrepreneurs throughout Pakistan.
Selected candidates will receive support in the form of cash grants ranging from USD 25,000 to 40,000 (equivalent in PKR), free infrastructure credits valued at $2,500 from DigitalOcean, education and tutorials focusing on crucial aspects, mentorship from DigitalOcean volunteers, marketing and project management support from BNU, and impact measurement assistance.
Dr. Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of BNU, expressed pride in the university’s small but significant role in contributing to the cause of empowering women in a country where more than 50% of the population is female. Zaeem Yaqoob Khan, Executive Director (Student Affairs & External Relations) at BNU, highlighted the institution’s commitment to empowering marginalized sectors and fostering inclusivity as a core institutional value in collaboration with DigitalOcean.