Acceleration Program for Women Entrepreneurs
The Acceleration Program for Women Entrepreneurs (APWE) was a high-impact initiative designed to empower women founders across Pakistan through advanced coaching, mentoring, and investor readiness training. Led by Change Mechanics Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with TiE Islamabad and the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, the program supported women-led startups from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, helping them refine their business models and attract investment.
Out of 476 applicants, 35 women entrepreneurs were selected for intensive training in pitch development, financial modeling, and scaling strategies. 12 finalists advanced to a 3-month incubation at the Founder Institute (FI), followed by a 4-day Investment Readiness Bootcamp and investor pitching sessions in Silicon Valley, connecting them to global markets and networks.
Challenges
Women entrepreneurs in Pakistan face persistent structural and financial barriers that limit their growth potential. These included:- Limited access to investor networks and funding opportunities.
- Lack of advanced business development and scaling tools.
- Insufficient mentorship and exposure to global entrepreneurship practices.
- Gender-based challenges restricting visibility and business expansion.
Solutions
Change Mechanics addressed these challenges through a holistic acceleration model combining training, mentorship, and investor linkage. Key solutions included:- Comprehensive coaching and mentorship by industry experts and global advisors.
- One-on-one pitch development and business refinement sessions.
- Investment readiness bootcamps to enhance fundraising skills and confidence.
- Global exposure through investor networking in Silicon Valley.