Bismriti Paudel and Gita Paudel, two Nepali entrepreneurs, have overcome personal and professional challenges to build thriving businesses while contributing to Nepal’s economy.
In 2021, Bismriti Paudel, a former banker and mother of two, founded Homecare Nepal Pvt. Ltd. to address the lack of childcare support. Starting with just three employees, her company now employs 150 service providers and trains 200 women in caregiving skills. Her business, which generates monthly profits of $2,500 to $3,000, offers services for nursing mothers, the elderly, and office staff needs like drivers and security guards. “No woman should have to give up her job for lack of childcare support,” says Bismriti, who also recently expanded to Pokhara.
Gita Paudel, the founder of J S Fashion Limited, has turned her garment business into a household name for school uniforms in Nepal. Despite setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, she now supplies 300 businesses across the country and has expanded into corporate and sportswear. Her revenue has doubled to $220,000 since 2005, and she pays her staff ten times more than she did at the start.
Financial Support as a Turning Point
Both women credit their success to loans from Global IME Bank Limited (GIBL), which prioritizes rural SMEs and women entrepreneurs. Bismriti’s $11,000 loan helped her stabilize her growing business, while Gita’s $7,400 loan enabled her to invest in automated machinery and expand her workspace.
IFC’s $56 million investment in GIBL aims to expand financial access for women entrepreneurs like Bismriti and Gita. This initiative is the largest gender-focused investment in Nepal’s financial sector to date. IFC has also partnered with Siddhartha Bank, Sanima Bank, and NMB Bank to support SMEs and women-led businesses across Nepal.
“Our goal is to fund more women-owned businesses and encourage other banks to explore this untapped segment,” said Martin Holtmann, IFC’s Country Manager for Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. “This will empower more women, create jobs, and strengthen economic resilience.”
Both entrepreneurs continue to build their businesses while inspiring others. Gita’s daughter is now involved in J S Fashion, ensuring the family legacy endures. Meanwhile, Bismriti remains committed to scaling her impact nationwide.
With determination and support, Nepali women entrepreneurs are proving they can overcome immense challenges to achieve success.
