Empowering Women Through Access to Finance Orientation

The Empowering Women Through Access to Finance Orientation was delivered as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) to help unemployed women understand the financing pathways available for launching their own businesses. The session introduced participants to the criteria, requirements, and procedures for accessing the Sustainable Employment through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED) loan provided by the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) and other financial institutions. The event aimed to address common working-capital barriers by equipping women with practical guidance on how to prepare and apply for SEED loans. This initiative forms part of a broader program supporting women and youth�with 80% of beneficiaries being women�to enhance their entrepreneurial capacity, financial readiness, and economic participation. Participants gained actionable knowledge on securing startup financing and are expected to use this information to initiate their own businesses, contributing to increased self-employment and broader local economic development.