Overview
The Ignite project in Pakistan worked to unlock the power of small business owners—particularly women—to help build a stronger, more inclusive economy. The program supported the Government of Pakistan’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy by improving access to formal financial services.
In partnership with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the global Ignite Program ran in Pakistan, Peru, and Vietnam; countries where many micro and small businesses are ready for investment. By working with local partners, Ignite helped entrepreneurs access finance, technology, and networks while building the skills they need to grow and succeed.
Interested in partnering with CARE Women’s Entrepreneurship? Contact us at entrepreneurship@care.org.
Who we reached
Over three years in Pakistan, Ignite:
- Reached 2 million entrepreneurs, at least 30% of whom were women
- Directly supported 45,000 businesses
- Positively impacted 397,000 people, including employees, families, and community members
- Focused on growth-oriented businesses with two to ten employees who had been in business for at least two years.
