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Building skills, creating markets: How BRAC Bank helps women entrepreneurs grow and thrive

Published : Saturday, 24 October, 2026 at 6:32 PM

Press Release

Collected Photo

From turning an idea into a business to taking an established enterprise further, women entrepreneurs need different kinds of support at different stages of growth. Recognising these evolving needs, BRAC Bank has shaped its initiatives under TARA, its women’s banking segment, to help entrepreneurs build strong foundations, overcome challenges and pursue new opportunities.

As a values-based bank, BRAC Bank brings together finance, training, mentorship, digital skills, networking and sales platforms to support that journey. Together, they reflect a commitment to standing beside women entrepreneurs as they grow, equipping them with the tools, connections and confidence to take their next step.

Uddokta 101 builds business foundations

TARA’s flagship accelerator, Uddokta 101, equips women entrepreneurs with business management, financial literacy and market-readiness skills.

The three-month programme combines business education, mentorship, case studies, interactive learning and trade fairs, strengthening operational capabilities and familiarity with formal financial services.

Launched in 2021, it has trained 1,000 women entrepreneurs through partnerships with the University of Dhaka, BRAC University, East West University, Daffodil International University and Chittagong Independent University.

Amrai TARA takes business knowledge to the grassroots

Amrai TARA delivers intensive three-day regional workshops for women-owned small and medium enterprises (WSMEs), covering business and financial management, documentation, branding, marketing, and financial and digital operations.

More than 1,200 WSMEs receive training annually. Over four years, the initiative has reached 40 of Bangladesh’s 64 districts across rural, semi-urban and urban areas.

UddogTARA strengthens digital business skills

UddogTARA provides expert-led training in social media management, strategic marketing, digital marketing applications, artificial intelligence (AI) tools and digital platforms.

Since 2024, 300 WSMEs have received training in advanced digital literacy, AI and digital marketing, helping them navigate online commerce.

TARA Uddokta Mela connects products with customers

The annual three-day TARA Uddokta Mela promotes locally made products during the peak Eid shopping season.

Across four editions, 400 women entrepreneurs have showcased their products through free stalls, gaining visibility, engaging customers and exploring sales opportunities. The fair also showcases local innovation and Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.

UddogTARA Market Enlistment Programme creates recurring sales opportunities

Held quarterly at BRAC Bank’s Head Office, the programme has enabled nearly 600 women entrepreneurs to showcase products to bank employees.

Together, the programme and TARA Uddokta Mela generate more than BDT 4.5 crore in annual sales and BDT 70 lakh in pre-orders.

Branch network extends financial literacy outreach

Through its network of 195 branches, BRAC Bank provides training in banking services and financial literacy to nearly 2,000 women entrepreneurs annually.

Combining finance, skills and market access, these initiatives support women as they start and expand their businesses.

Syed Abdul Momen, Additional Managing Director and Head of SME Banking, BRAC Bank, said, “Women’s entrepreneurship deserves to be recognised as an economic opportunity. When women build successful businesses, they create livelihoods, support their families and contribute to local economies. Our responsibility as a bank is to recognise that potential and help ensure that ambition is matched by opportunity. We want more women to build enterprises that endure and have a stronger voice in Bangladesh’s economic future.”

-EM